N.S. mother who killed her toddler sentenced to 6 years for manslaughter

Yarmouth fuss pleads shamefaced in dying of baby

The judge says in accepting the joint submission he recognizes the tragedy that has taken place.

It’s hard to imagine a greater societal loss than the loss of a young child, he says.

He hands down a six-year sentence.

He tells Surette he doesn’t want her to believe the sentence makes her an evil person.

She is weeping.

When dealing with joint submissions, the law is clear, the judge says.

They must not be rejected unless contrary to public interest.

Death by violence of such a young child is by its nature incredibly shocking, the judge says.

He points out that she has no criminal record, she may have mental health issues, but most important is the guilty plea.

She has taken responsibility for an extremely serious criminal offence, Scott says.

He points out that she did not call 911, but rather called Evans instead.

The judge is recounting some of the facts of the case.

He seems to be emotional as he reads the details of Isaiha’s death.

He says when child welfare services became involved, progress was “questionable” for Evans, and Surette’s progress was “minimal.”

The judge has offered Surette an opportunity to say something.

She is standing now, gathering herself, weeping.

There is a long pause.

“I don’t at this time,” she says, before taking a seat.

“It’s a very difficult day for Ms. Surette,” Peacock says.

In a small town where everyone has an opinion at the coffee shop and on social media, you must recognize she has shown courage and love by pleading guilty, he says.

Peacock says he hopes she will avail herself of opportunities in prison, counselling, perhaps further her education.

Peacock says he hopes she comes out “empowered” on the other side of this.

The defence lawyer, Tim Peacock, is now speaking.

He says there are no winners in this case.  “It’s all loss and tragedy,” he says.

Peacock says since Dec. 17, 2020, Surette has been “enduring the pain and loss since that day to now.”

He says growing up, Surette often found herself in a bit of a “lone wolf” situation — she was bullied in school, reported it, but nothing changed.

She learned early on that she couldn’t rely on support from others, and left school in Grade 9.

He says she has been “beating herself up” since Isaiha’s death.

Yarmouth mother pleads guilty in death of child

The Crown, who describes the case as a “complete and utter tragedy,” is discussing relevant case law.

Kennedy says Isaiha was removed from the family home when he was two months old, and returned just three weeks before the incident that led to his death at 17 months old.

He says Surette has made a “genuine expression of remorse.”

He says mitigating factors include her guilty plea. She also has no criminal record.

The Crown says Surette has been in a relationship with the child’s father, Jonathan Evans, for about 15 years, but his participation has been “surface level.”

Evans was playing video games down the street at the time of the incident.

She has an estranged relationship with her father and a tumultuous relationship with her mother, with whom she is now living.

She is currently laid off from a cleaning job at a local hotel.

The Crown says she has indicated she has no plans to have more children.

Surette appears to be holding in some emotion as a victim impact statement is read by prosecutor Rob Kennedy. It was written by the foster parents who cared for Isaiha before he was returned to his mother's care.

She is shaking her head slightly as the Crown makes submissions on sentencing.

The sentence imposed must clearly show that violence against children cannot be tolerated, Kennedy says.

He says nothing can restore the life lost, but the sentence must reflect the value of that life and the responsibility Surette had to protect it.

The judge in the case is Mark Scott. The defence lawyer is Tim Peacock. The two prosecutors in the case are Rob Kennedy and Scott Morrison.

April Surette is seated by herself on the court benches.

She had been sitting with what appeared to be some supporters before court began.

One victim impact statement has been filed. Kennedy is reading it out loud.

The court was told in December that Isaiha had been in foster care during the months leading up to his death, and had just returned home two weeks before he died.

April Surette’s phone search history in the days before the incident suggests she was struggling to bond with her son. The searches included:

"I don't love my 17-month-old" on Dec. 12.

"My 17-month-old was in foster care and I don't like him" on Dec. 12.

"It's annoying when I see my 17-month-old" on Dec. 12.

"I hate my 17-month-old baby" on Dec. 12.

"My 17-month-old cries way too much" on Dec. 12.

"How to get help if you hate your 17-month-old" on Dec. 13.

"Bonding with your child after foster care" on Dec. 13.

"Is it OK to let a dog and cat babysit a 17-month-old baby?" on Dec. 14.

"I really hate myself" on Dec. 14.

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