Alliston, Ont. teen charged in death of newborn granted bail

The 16-year-old girl accused in the death of a newborn in Alliston has been granted bail with strict conditions.

Warning: Some details in this article may be upsetting to some readers.

A 16-year-old Alliston, Ont. girl who had been in custody since being charged in connection with the death of a newborn last year appeared in court on Wednesday seeking bail.

Ontario Provincial Police said officers attended an Alliston home on Nov. 21, 2024, to investigate what they called the sudden death of a newborn baby.

The infant’s death was later ruled a homicide. Details surrounding how the baby died or the relationship between the infant and the teen have not been disclosed.

Any evidence heard in court is protected by a publication ban.

• Article | Alliston Ont. infant death now deemed homicide; 16-year-old girl charged

The Alliston teen was charged nearly two months later with first-degree murder and indignity to a body. She has been in custody at a youth detention centre since her arrest. Her identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

On Wednesday, she was granted $50,000 bail with strict conditions, including house arrest, unless in the presence of a surety.

A court-imposed non-communication order prevents her from speaking with specific individuals, primarily family members, unless through legal counsel or her sureties.

As part of her release terms, the teen is also not to possess any weapons and can only use electronic devices in the presence of a surety.

If convicted of first-degree murder, the youth could face a maximum of 10 years in custody.

She is scheduled to return to court next month. The allegations against her have not been tested in court.

With files from CTV’s Mike Arsalides