Father of 7-year-old girl who died in Granby granted bail

The father of the young girl who died in Granby in April was released on bail on Thursday after a ruling by a Quebec Superior Court judge.

JusticeGatan Dumas relied on new facts presented by the defence. Thatinformation, however, issubject to a publication ban.

The girl's father is charged with criminal negligence causing death, failure to provide the necessities of life, abandonment of a child and forcible confinement.

Lawyers for the father had said they intended to argue that there were legal errors in the decision of the Quebec Court judgewho denied bail for the accused.

Martin Latour, a lawyer for the father, said his clientfelt "relieved" by Dumas's decision.

"I'm satisfied that the presumption of innocence has prevailed and that the rule that the accused should bereleased while charged with a criminal offencehas been respected," Latoursaid.

"I hope people will understand that this man is presumed innocent and will be tried in a fair and equitable manner."

The girl's father will have to comply with several conditions. Hewill have to stay at a specific location, will have a curfew and will have to report to police weekly, said the Crown prosecutor, ClaudeRobitaille.

He will also be prohibited from consumingalcoholic beverages or drugs, will not be able to come into contact with a number of people, including somewitnesses, and will not be allowedto possess weapons.

Last week, the father asked to be released during the court proceedings, but due to a delay in handing over documents, the case was not heard.The 30-year-old has been detained since his arrest.

The file of the girl's stepmother, who is accused of second-degree murder, forcible confinement and aggravated assault, will be back on Oct.28 at the court. She remains in custody.

Theidentities of the father and stepmotherare subject to a publication ban to protect the child's identity.

The seven-year-old girl died in hospitalthe day after she was found in critical condition at her father's home.

TheQuebecgovernment ordered a coroner's inquest into the death of the girl, whohad a long history ofinvolvement with the youth protection system.