A Couva magistrate yesterday advised that young mother Alisha Hilaire, who is charged with unlawfully killing her 18-month-old son, receive counselling. Hilaire, who is four months pregnant and has twin sons, ages four, was granted $75,000 bail with her mother and aunt as surety when she appeared before Senior Magistrate Lucinda Cardenas-Ragoonanan.
The 20-year-old mother has been in custody since her son’s death almost two weeks ago. She is accused of unlawfully killing Rojel Jeremiah Hilaire Farrow on May 17 at Exchange Lot, Couva. The child was pronounced dead on arrival at the Couva District Health Facility. An autopsy found the child died from internal bleeding caused by blunt force trauma. She was charged by PC Harripersad.
Asking for reasonable bail, her attorney Joseph Honore said Hilaire dropped out of school in Form Four because she got pregnant, lived with her mother and worked temporarily as a store clerk. While the accused was in custody, he said, she was hospitalised because of anxiety and asthma. Given the circumstances in the matter, her age and being a first-time offender, Honore asked that she be granted reasonable bail so she could be reunited with her sons who are attending pre-school.
Court prosecutor, acting Sgt Wayne Waite, said he did not have any recommendations. Asked where her children were, Honore said they were staying with their father at his Gasparillo home. Given the sensitive nature of the matter, the magistrate suggested that social services got involved and that she got psychological help.
“It is not just a simple situation. Victims and even accused persons ought to be put in a position to handle the matter as it goes along,” the magistrate said. After putting the mother and aunt as surety and explaining to them their responsibilities in terms of ensuring she attends court, the magistrate advised them to also seek assistance from the Victim Support Unit.
The magistrate also asked a state prosecutor, who was present in court, to expediate the process of appointing a state prosecutor in the matter. The matter was adjourned to June 26.