September 3, 2009
Bail granted in babies case

LONDON -- Hanging on to her own father's arm, the London mother charged after three dead infants were found in her basement had her first taste of freedom in three months yesterday.

Since June, Jennifer Sinn, 32, had been in custody facing three counts of causing an indignity to a dead body and three counts of disposing of a child's body with intent to conceal delivery.

Yesterday, she quickly left the London courthouse with her father, Erwin Sinn, one of two sureties contributing to her $50,000 bail.

But the decision by Ontario Court Justice of the Peace Stewart Taylor will have further scrutiny.

Acting Middlesex Crown attorney Mary Potter said the prosecution would seek a bail review.

"We will be reviewing the decision," she said.

Assistant Meredith Gardiner said a tentative date has been set for Sept. 16.

Sinn, originally from Brampton, was charged in June after her boyfriend discovered the infant remains in a plastic tote while looking for family photos in the basement of the Sandford St. home where she had lived.

Police initially charged her with one count of each charge, believing they had only found one body, and released her from custody.

But further testing revealed there were three infant bodies in various stages of decomposition. She was re-arrested and had been held since.

It's believed the babies died in 2001, 2002 and 2006 and that Sinn was their mother.

A publication ban was placed on evidence at the hearing that was held over two days in August.

Yesterday, the petite Sinn seemed so small she was hidden in the prisoner's box. She sat quietly, wearing a familiar dark brown cardigan. Her long brown hair was parted in the middle.

She nodded and answered "yes" when asked if she would be able to abide by the bail conditions.

An American sign language interpreter was there to translate the decision for her hearing-impaired parents.

Her mother and father, who no longer live together, are sureties. Each pledged $25,000, with no deposit required.

Taylor ordered Sinn be released and live with her mother, Nancy Sinn, and remain at the London address at all times unless in the company of either of her parents.

Sinn was ordered not to associate or communicate with her boyfriend, Mike Marquette, his parents or his sister.

Under a Family Court order, she can't communicate with her remaining four children.

Her next court date is Oct. 8. By then, LeRoy hopes to meet with her client and review the Crown's disclosure.

Outside the courtroom, LeRoy said her client was "relieved."

"She's certainly happy to no longer be in custody," she said.

Before the next court appearance on Oct. 8, LeRoy said she will review the Crown disclosure with Sinn and "discuss where we go from here."

LeRoy wouldn't speculate on how easy or difficult house arrest will be for Sinn.

"I have a feeling it's better than being in jail," she said.

Jane Sims is The Free Press justice reporter. jane.sims@sunmedia.ca



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