An Orillia couple was back in court today, charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life for a 76-year-old woman.
Viola Simonds was admitted to hospital in 2011 after being found surrounded by vomit, urine and feces.
Her daughter and son-in-law, Dianne and James Davy, are on trial.
Both had “power of attorney” over Simonds until she was admitted to hospital.
Tuesday, photos showing a thin and weak Simonds in a hospital bed were displayed to the courtroom.
Also Tuesday, the doctor who cared for Simonds for years testified.
He said he recommended in 2008 that Simonds be moved into a long-term care facility, and that the power of attorney be taken away from the Davys.
Defence lawyer Mel Malick says Simonds “had dementia and wasn’t able to communicate to anybody what her needs were”.
He added that she needed 24-hour care.
The lawyers say a breakdown of communication between all government groups and agencies is another issue to take into account.
The trial is expected to continue through Friday.
