Native woman on trial for leaving baby at Walmart

A 22-year-old Native woman is in trial after she left her newborn in a bathroom at a Walmart in Saskatchewan.

April Halkett is charged with child abandonment. She claims she didn't know she was pregnant when she gave birth to a boy in May 2007.

"I used the bathroom," Halkett said in an interview with police that was played in court. "When I went the baby came out and I was so scared."

The boy, who was born a month premature, was taken into custody by the Indian Child and Family Services agency on the Lac La Ronge First Nation. Due a publication ban, news media can't say where he is being held now but Halkett has been able to visit him.

Halkett faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

Get the Story:
Woman who gave birth in Walmart said she didn't know she was pregnant (CBC 5/5)
Defence to call evidence in Wal-Mart baby trial (CP 5/6)

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