Mother testifies in own defence at disturbing child abuse trial
WARNING: Some of the content in this article may be disturbing.
The mother involved in a shocking child abuse case in London, Ont. took the stand on Wednesday, denying that she ever harmed her children.
The mother, who is in her fifties, was emotional from time to time as she testified about her family life.
She said it was difficult to see her kids testify against her, “Hearing my children, they’re still my children no matter whatever mistakes they have done.”
When she was questioned by her lawyer Phil Millar about accusations of abuse and if she ever intentionally burned her kids on the stove, she said, “Never, ever, ever to any of my children would I have done that.”
She was asked by Millar, “Did you ever smash your children’s fingers and break them?”
“No never, not anywhere,” she answered.
Earlier in the day, the number of charges against the couple was reduced by the Crown.
The parents were originally charged with 47 counts and they now face 41 charges including, sexual assault with a weapon, incest, and forcible confinement.
The incidents are alleged to have happened between 2003 and 2020.
The mother and father, who cannot be identified, have both pleaded not guilty.
Later, when asked if she was ever involved in sexual activity with her children, she responded, “I wouldn’t fathom doing that to anyone…it did not happen, it would not happen.”
Before wrapping up for the day she said, “I love each and every one of my children.”
The mother’s testimony resumes on Thursday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7021723.1725138491!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Johnny Gaudreau's widow, Meredith, remembers husband in heartfelt social media posts
The widow of Johnny Gaudreau called her husband 'the absolute best dad in the world' and thanked him for 'the best years of my life' in two Instagram posts shared Saturday.
18 drivers charged for filming vehicle crash site on Hwy. 401
Ontario Provincial Police were busy on Saturday morning issuing tickets to distracted drivers allegedly using their phones to film a serious crash on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario.
More people than ever are eating alone at restaurants. This is why
The stigma of single dining has faded as more people live alone than ever before. Today, more people are making reservations for one.
Man charged after alleged 'indecent act' in family shower area at Toronto pool
A 35-year-old Toronto man is facing charges after allegedly 'committing an indecent act' in the family shower area of a public pool.
Orangutan swung in 'cartwheel-like motion' before climbing down tower to escape: Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo says it has learned how one of its orangutans escaped from its enclosure earlier this week.
A Norwegian princess marries an American self-styled shaman in front of a star-studded audience
Social media influencers, reality stars and TV personalities were among the guests as the Norwegian king's eldest child, Princess Martha Louise, married an American self-professed shaman on Saturday in a wedding ceremony following three days of festivities.
Rapper Fatman Scoop dies at 53 after collapsing on stage in Connecticut
Fatman Scoop, the rapper who topped charts in Europe with 'Be Faithful' in the early 2000s and later lent his distinctive voice and ebullient vibe to hits by such artists as Missy Elliott and Ciara, died after collapsing on stage at a show in Connecticut, according to officials and his family.
Driver clocked at 175 km/hr claims water bottle rolled under gas pedal
An OPP officer clocked a man from Nottawasaga travelling on Highway 401 at 175 kilometres per hour on Friday.
As interest rates trend down, could housing get more affordable?
Forecasters are expecting further Bank of Canada interest rate cuts, but does that mean it's a good time to buy or sell a home? Real estate analyst Jason Mercer shares his predictions with CTV Your Morning.