Couple accused of elder abuse will stay behind bars for another month

A Toronto couple accused of elder abuse will stay behind bars for another month, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Kwong Yan, 43, and his wife, 28-year-old Qi Tan, are accused of keeping Yan’s 68-year-old mother in their frigid Scarborough garage throughout the winter. They are each charged with failing to provide the necessities of life and criminal negligence causing bodily harm.

Yan and Tan made a brief appearance at the College Park courthouse via video link on Tuesday and will next appear in court on April 14.

However, their lawyer told The Canadian Press the couple can apply for bail before that date.

According to police, Yan’s mother suffers from dementia and physical limitations and was allegedly moved into the garage in November 2010.

On Feb. 23, Yan realized she was unconscious and called 911. Paramedics who arrived on scene immediately alerted police. The victim was allegedly malnourished, suffering from frostbite, and in poor living conditions.

Police say it’s not clear why the victim lived in the garage, adding the couple’s McCowan Road and Finch Avenue East home had an empty bedroom and ensuite washroom on the second floor.

Yan and Tan were arrested on Feb. 25.

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