MONTREAL, Que. – A man who waited 15 hours to bring his 8-year-old daughter to hospital after she suffered severe head injuries in a snowmobile accident in Mascouche has been released on bail at the Joliette courthouse.
The judge ordered that he avoid contact with his two daughters, his ex-wife and any witnesses to the accident, refrain from drinking alcohol, stay out of bars and pay $1,000 bail.
The 36-year-old accused, whose name is subject to a publication ban to protect the identity of his daughter, pleaded not guilty Tuesday afternoon to four criminal charges triggered by the snowmobile accident, which occurred about 2 a.m. Jan. 3.
The girl emerged from an intensive-care unit at Ste. Justine Hospital in Montreal on Sunday afternoon, after undergoing brain surgery Friday. Her condition is listed as stable, but it’s not apparent if she’ll suffer long-term impairment.
The accused was arrested at the hospital. Crown prosecutor Sophie Lavergne opposed the man’s release.
Police have determined nobody was wearing a helmet during the accident; excessive speed and alcohol consumption are considered as possible factors.
When the accused brought his daughter to Pierre Le Gardeur Hospital in Terrebonne about 5 p.m. on Jan. 3, he said the girl had fallen on ice.
He’s charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm to the girl; criminal negligence in neglecting to obtain timely medical aid for her; dangerous driving; and criminal negligence causing bodily harm to the other snowmobile driver.
The defendant’s next court appearance is set for March 8.
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