Lethbridge mom conditionally discharged after she left child in freezing car

A Lethbridge, Alta., mother who left her child in a freezing car while she went to the bar has received a conditional discharge with one year probation.

The 31-year-old mom, whose identity is covered by a publication ban, was charged along with another woman after the pair left their kids in a vehicle outside the Studio 54 bar for more than an hour in 18 C weather in December 2016.

Police had responded to a report of a child crying in an unattended vehicle. They found athree-year-old girl and four-year-old boy.

Both children were wearing winter coats. A report prepared by a pediatric specialist said both children were suffering from mild or early hypothermia, but neither sustained any long-term physical harm.

• Young children left in cold vehicle as mothers went to bar, Lethbridge police say

The other mother was sentenced earlier this year.

Defence lawyer David Cavillasaid his client is satisfied with the decision.

"She's obviously relieved with the outcome," Cavilla said.

He said she has worked with child welfare authorities over the course of the past year since her child has been returned to her.

The Crown had sought a three-month conditional sentence followed by nine to 12 months of probation.

"The fact that neither of those children was harmed in any way physically is huge in the disposition that was granted," he said. "We're all glad that it ended this way."

As a condition of her probation, she will have no criminal record if she stays out of trouble with the law and attends any counselling and treatment as recommended by her probation officer.

Judge Gerald Debow referenced the woman's pre-sentence report, which revealed she has struggled as a single mother to make ends meet, has been abused in numerous relationships throughout her life, has had substance-abuse issues and suffers from cognitive challenges.

"Both these mothers took extensive steps in dealing with their problems," said Debow, in explaining his decision to give the two women a conditional discharge.

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With files fromPatrick Burles with Lethbridge News Now, and The Canadian Press