Pair accused of keeping mom in frigid garage appear in court

TORONTO – A Toronto couple accused of forcing the man’s mother to live in a freezing garage during the winter will be back in court May 30.

Lawyers for the couple set a date Thursday for a judicial pretrial, which involves just the lawyers and judge.

Kwong Yan, 43, sat quietly during his brief appearance. He has been in custody since Feb. 25, when he and his wife surrendered to police on charges of failing to provide the necessities of life and criminal negligence causing bodily harm.

Two days earlier, Yan’s 68-year-old mother, whom police allege suffers from dementia, was found unconscious and suffering from frostbite in an east-end garage.

She was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition, but has since recovered enough not to require life support. Yan’s wife, Qi Tan, 28, has been released on bail and was not in court Thursday.

Meanwhile, Yan "is doing well," said Foladi Laseinde, who appeared in court on behalf of defence lawyer Jack Pinkofsky. "He’s a strong guy and he believes in himself."

Yan was denied bail and a review of his conditions last month upheld the decision. But Laseinde said Yan may request another review.

Tan’s lawyer said her client has returned to her regular routine.

"She’s going to work, she’s looking after her daughter," Haiyun Wang said.

The case made headlines across the country and has sparked debate about elder care and abuse.