An aggravated assault charge in the case of a seven-week-old baby girl is on the back burner as the Crown pursues manslaughter charges instead.
Crown Attorney Denise Smith explains seven-week-old Aurora was still alive and being treated at the IWK when charges of aggravated assault were laid against the parents.
"It was subsequent to that that the death occurred and we were awaiting the report on the cause of death before determining how to proceed further," she said.
The Crown now has the autopsy report and has laid manslaughter charges against Ashiqur Rahman and Jane Gomes.
Gomes' lawyer Peter Mancini explains, nine months have passed and the two pleaded not guilty.
"My preference would be to have the charge dismissed," he said. "Once a plea is entered, if no evidence is tendered then the court can make the finding of dismissing."
The Crown offered to withdraw the aggravated assault charges, but has opted instead to have them stayed.
The Crown now has one year to either pursue or dismiss the assault charges.