March 09, 2018 - 7:02 AM
MONTREAL - A Montreal man who is charged with the attempted murder of his pregnant partner has been ordered to stand trial in the slaying of the baby she was carrying.
Sofiane Ghazi was charged last year with first-degree murder, attempted murder and several other counts.
The newborn died in hospital shortly after being delivered by emergency C-section following the alleged attack on the woman, who was eight months pregnant.
Prosecutors and defence lawyers told reporters Thursday they differ on whether the fetus was legally considered a living being, but a judge ruled it would be up to a jury to decide.
The evidence heard during the preliminary hearing is subject to a publication ban.
According to the Criminal Code, a child is considered a human being once it has completely proceeded, in a living state, from the body of its mother, whether or not it has breathed, has independent circulation or whether the umbilical cord has been cut.
A trial date has not yet been set and Ghazi remains detained pending his next court date in April.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2018