In court on Thursday, the aunt and uncle of a boy allegedly confined to a bedroom for nearly two years surrendered their passports and were told they cannot apply to leave the country.
The pair face charges of forcible confinement and failing to provide the necessaries of life after the 10-year-old was found in their southeast London home in May.
Police were called on by the Children's Aid Society (CAS) following an anonymous tip to check on the child's well-being.
He was found to be living in filthy conditions in the home's master bedroom and was pale and underweight.
A second child living in the home, the couple's nine-year-old daughter, was not confined, but was also taken into the care of the CAS.
They were placed in separate foster homes, and there is word the boy continues to improve and is looking forward to attending school in September.
The couple were the boy's legal guardians.
Leaving the London courthouse, the two - who cannot be identified to protect the child - did not betray any emotion.
Besides their lawyer, Norm Peel, there was also a Korean interpreter and friend present for the court appearance.
Peel says he will meet with the Crown attorney before advising his clients on their plea.
“They’re in Canada and they have a right to be presumed innocent until the process says otherwise,” Peel told reporters.
Peel would not say whether the couple has had recent contact with their daughter.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for July 24.
With files from CTVNews.ca
