July 30, 2005
MIKE FUNSTON
STAFF REPORTER
A Mississauga couple charged in connection with the death of a 23-year-old autistic relative have been released from custody pending their trial.
Allison Cox, 31, and Orlando Klass, 32, of Fairwind Dr., were released on $20,000 bail each after a hearing in Brampton court yesterday. A publication ban prevents reporting of evidence presented in court.
Assistant Crown attorney David Naylor had requested that they be held in custody because of the gravity of the allegations. Four relatives of the accused posted sureties.
Arrested by Peel Region police last Monday, the couple are charged with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessities of life.
At the time of their arrest, police said the charges had been laid four months after the body of Tiffany Pinckney, 23, was found in the basement of the home she shared with Cox, who is her adoptive sister, and Klass.
Police allege the neglect dates back to January 1998, when Pinckney moved in with the accused following the death of her mother. Cox became her legal guardian and caregiver.
Severe autism is the result of a neurological disorder. Most autistic people have difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction.
Klass' lawyer, Selwyn Pieters, said the families of the accused were "very pleased" to see them out on bail.
"People shouldn't be in any rush to judge," he said. "Let's wait until the evidence comes up at the trial and we'll see where the chips fall."
Outside court, Cox's lawyer, Jason Bogle, objected to the delay between the arrest and the hearing. The Crown's office maintained the earliest available time slot was yesterday.
The couple's next court date is Aug.18.