Cold Lake Woman Guilty in Child Abuse Sentencing Delayed

The sentencing of Michelle Schweigert, who plead guilty earlier this year of aggravated assault in a child abuse case that left a now three year old in a wheelchair, has had her sentencing delayed until December 15th, 2015.  There was not enough proof of the long-term effects of the abuse the child sustained for the judge to accurately sentence Schweigert.

Schweigert pled guilty this year of assaulting her then boyfriend’s two-year old daughter in December of 2013. Police responded to relative’s complaints that the girl had been assaulted, when the police arrived they found the girl to have sustained substantial injuries that were approximately a week old. The child, who had visible bruises to her legs, arms, body & face, was then airlifted to Edmonton to receive treatment at The Stollery Children’s Hospital.

The judge, at Schweigert’s sentencing hearing, said he knew what the child’s current condition, which includes being refined to a wheelchair. However, the judge wanted a more definite prognosis, such as whether or not the child will ever walk again, before handing down the sentencing. This will best allow the judge to deliver an appropriate punishment.

The child’s father, Kyle Gurney, pled guilty to failure to provide the necessities to life. Charges were withdrawn for assault and criminal negligence causing bodily harm. Gurney is scheduled to be sentenced Monday, August 31st, 2015