A Milton, Ont., courtroom has heard intense questioning over the motives behind the use of zip ties and other confinement tactics against two boys as two Burlington women face first degree murder and other charges. The foster parents stand trial after one of the boys, a 12-year-old, was found unresponsive inside their home and then died in hospital in 2022. One of the adoptive mothers, Brandy Cooney, continued her testimony and pushed back against the abuse allegations. The cause of death of the 12-year-old boy under the care of Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber remains unclear. The parents, who were trying to adopt the boys, stand trial for charges including first degree murder, forcible confinement, assault and failing to provide the necessities of life. Both women have pleaded not guilty to all charges. During cross examination today, Cooney was back on the stand and faced a barrage of questions over the couple’s treatment of the boy and his brother, including restraining measures used against the children. Cooney once denied those allegations but then admitted to the use of restraining measures this week. Those methods include the use of zip ties to secure wetsuits and tents to confine the boys. Crown Attorney, Monica Mackenzie, argued that the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) was aware of the methods and previously told the couple not to use zip-ties. : Trial of Burlington mothers accused of murder hears horrific details of restraining tactics Mackenzie asked Cooney, “do you agree CAS did not approve the zip ties on the tent?” Cooney responded, “yes, ma’am.” Prosecution followed up, “did you continue to zip tie the tents right up until the (boy’s) death?” Cooney replied, “no, ma’am.” The court heard the child was found unresponsive and malnourished in their Burlington home on Dec. 22, 2022. He then was taken to hospital where he died. The Crown pressed hard over Cooney’s inconsistent testimony and documentation of events. Text messages in 2022 were presented between Cooney, her father and Hamber discussing the use of zip ties. Cooney argued they were for the wetsuits — garments the couple said were used to prevent the boys from urinating, defecating and self-harming. The court was shown an exhibit of a garbage bag-covered bin in the boys bedroom, and the Crown asked why it was needed. The Crown then suggested to Cooney, “could he have not strangled himself with the garbage bag?” “Could be, ma’am,” Cooney said. “Both of our children were at risk of suicide” The trial is set to resume Monday. A publication ban has been put in place to protect the children’s identities. : Halton police arrest man accused of international investment scam
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