A Calgary woman charged in connection with the death of her developmentally disabled daughter was granted bail while making her first court appearance on Thursday.
Patricia Couture, 68, is charged with failure to provide the necessaries of life.
Her daughter Melissa Couture, 38, was found dead in a home in the 0 to 100 block of Woodridge Close S.W. on Tuesday.
Melissa had a developmental disability and suffered from chronic medical issues. Police said on Wednesday they believed she did not receive the medical attention she needed while under the care of her mother.
READ MORE: Calgary mother charged in connection with the death of disabled daughter
At her court appearance on Thursday, Couture ‘s lawyer expressed concern with how his client had been treated when arrested.
“If the reports that I get are to be believed, I’m extremely dismayed at police conduct here,” defence lawyer Andre Ouelette said.
“This lady tells me she was beaten, uh browbeaten excuse me, by a younger detective, you know. I guess testosterone, a badge and a gun makes you forget that you too may have a mother – I’m extremely dismayed,” Ouelette said.
Couture was released on her own recognizance with the condition that she lives at home.
She is scheduled to appear in court again on May 26.
– With files from David Boushy
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