London couple accused of locking up child appear in court

(Update)
A London couple appeared in court today, to say they understand the charges they’re facing; forcible confinement and failure to provide the necessaries of life — after their 10-year old nephew was discovered locked in a room of their house for as long as two years.

What surprised most people in court this morning was how normal the couple looked — well dressed, well groomed, perfectly calm and normal. They were released with a promise to appear and asked to surrender their passports, which they had already done.

We won’t tell you their names or show you their faces because that could identify their nephew, a 10-year old found in May after someone tipped off the Children’s Aid Society. Police say the boy was living in horrifying conditions; locked in a room for up to two years, he was malnourished with long hair, surrounded by garbage and feces and soaked in urine.

We’ve learned that he came to Canada from Korea in 2010 after his mother died, and that’s when his aunt and uncle took custody of him. He is now in foster care, as is his cousin, the couple’s biological daughter. She’s in a separate home. She however did not appear to be mistreated.

The couple’s lawyer explained that a friend was in court this morning helping translate into Korean but he says they do speak English quite well. He would not describe their state of mind.

Norman Peel is the couple’s lawyer: “This is a case that has shocked the community. People are looking for answers. That’s understandable. I’m one of those people and I don’t know yet what I’m going to face in this case. But I’m going to meet with the crown and I’ll know within a week what we’re facing.”

The Children’s Aid Society says the boy continues to do well in their care and they’re very pleased with progress. He’s also doing well adjusting in a foster home.

A fund was established called ‘From London with Love’ on behalf of the boy’s welfare. It has raised $6,000 so far.

The boy’s father is expected to be in London family court August 7th to try to get permission to take him back to Korea.