'I'm sorry': Calgary parents plead guilty to neglect of disabled adult son
A Calgary mother broke into tears Friday after she and her husband pleaded guilty to failing to provide the necessaries of life for their severely disabled adult son.
Malinda Phillips and Jonathon Grunewald entered their pleas in Calgary's Court of Queen's Bench.
In an agreed statement of facts, court heard that the 29-year-old man was mostly confined to his bedroom over five years. He had been diagnosed at birth with severe cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder and brain damage.
He was rushed to hospital in October 2020 when he was found unresponsive in the family's home.
“He was admitted in critical condition, in a state of shock, and displaying the profound effects of hypothermia, sepsis and weighing only 43 pounds,” said Crown prosecutor Janice Walsh.
Hospital officials alerted Calgary police and officers charged the couple last year.
“I'm sorry,” sobbed Phillips before entering her guilty plea.
A sentencing hearing is be scheduled April 8. Court heard lawyers expect to present a joint recommendation for the sentences.
Walsh told court that Phillips and Grunewald admitted that their son hadn't used a wheelchair for three years and “was essentially bedridden, except for special occasions including family dinners and outings.”
They were offered help for their son and in 2015 they began receiving $1,768 a month from Alberta's Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped program.
Walsh said Phillips didn't trust the medical community.
“(Phillips) acknowledged she had been offered home care assistance but turned it down as she did not believe it would be beneficial,” Walsh said.
The mother also admitted to withholding food from the son four to five days a week.
“She acknowledged that this has been going on for the past four to five years and she noticed his medical condition declining about three years ago but did not take him to the doctor,” said Walsh.
Court heard that Phillips was in a car accident in 2015 and suffered from depression and back pain. She would put her headphones on and “zone out,” taking three- to four-hour naps during the day.
Grunewald, who worked during the day, took over caring for his son in the evenings, said Walsh.
“He was aware that Malinda was not caring for him during the days but did not want to 'pick a fight over it,”' Walsh said.
She added the son was not given any liquids until his father gave them to him at dinner.
Grunewald admitted the family had been offered fully funded, in-home medical assistance five days a week. He knew his wife had refused the service and “did not press the issue,” said Walsh.
The son now lives in a care home. Walsh said he has gained weight, increased his mobility and can sit in a wheelchair.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Joe Biden wants to remind 2024 voters of a record and an agenda. Often it's Donald Trump's
Biden wants the 2024 election to be a referendum on Trump's record and plans, but he also wants voters to look favourably on his own policies and actions
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.