Couple accused of abusing orphaned nieces and nephew will not testify in own defence

An aunt and uncleaccused of abusing theirorphaned nieces and nephew will not testify in their own defence at trial.

The couple is facingassault with a weapon andother charges in connection with allegations made by their nephew and two nieces who were 13, seven and six when they told police they were the victims ofvicious abuse.

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Interviews recorded in 2011 between the children and child abuse detectives were also admitted as evidence on Tuesday by Court of Queen's Bench Justice Sandy Park.

Publication ban

Defence lawyers Kelsey Sitar and KarenMollehad argued the statements were unreliable, full of inconsistencies and should not becomeevidence in the trial.

Park said he was not making any findings of fact by accepting the children's statements and still had to determine the reliability and weight of the complainants'evidence.

A publication ban was ordered on the accused's names in order to protect the identity of the children, who are now in care.

The children testified they were abused with needles, lighters and barbecue forks. One of the sisters said she was forced to drink her own vomit on one occasion.

They said they suffered punches, kicks to the head and body, and were thrown in cold showers.

Parents killed in car crash

The children survived a car crash that killed their parents in the U.S. in 2006. Afterward, the kids were adoptedby their aunt and uncle, who moved them to Calgary.

In 2011, the middle sister showed up at schoolwith a bruised and swollen face.

The child told a counsellor that she and her siblings had suffered abuse for years at the hands of their aunt and uncle.

Police and social services became involved and the children were removed from their home.

Park will make his decision in June.

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