Child abuse trial evidence disputed

The opening day of an alleged child abuse trial for a day-home operator began Monday with legal arguments on admissibility of evidence.

Crown prosecutor Patricia Yelle and defence lawyer Pat Fagan questioned a city police officer all day during a voir dire (trial within a trial) at Court of Queen’s Bench.

The accused, 35, has pleaded not guilty to assault causing bodily harm.

She is accused of pushing a toddler, just short of a year old, down a flight of stairs last year.

The voir dire will continue today, then Justice Carolyn Phillips will make a ruling on the evidence. The jury is to be sworn in on Wednesday.