Hamber denies Crown claim she grew resentful as videos of malnourished boy were shown in court
In Burlington court, Becky Hamber denied the Crown’s portrayal that she soon became resentful of two boys she took in. Videos of a malnourished 12-year-old begging for food were played.
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By Torontoer Staff
In a Burlington courtroom on Monday, Becky Hamber denied the Crown’s account that she quickly grew resentful of the two boys she was trying to adopt. The judge-alone trial has shown videos of a 12-year-old boy, who was malnourished and later died, pleading for food while Hamber recorded.
Prosecutors played several cellphone recordings made by Hamber on Aug. 21, 2021, 16 months before the older boy’s death. In one two-and-a-half-minute clip he cries, “It’s not fair” and “I’m hungry.” In another he shouts, “You’re withholding breakfast from me.” A publication ban protects the identities of the deceased boy and his younger brother.
Video evidence and cross-examination
Crown prosecutor Kelli Frew asked Hamber why she did not give the child more food when he begged. Hamber replied, “At the time, I’m guessing I believe ... (the boy) had had enough, I don’t know.” She said the child had a history of binge eating and would beg for more food regardless of meal size.
It seems an exceptionally cruel choice to continue to withhold the food, and then record a child who is very clearly upset that you’re recording him.
Prosecutor Kelli Frew
When Frew asked whether Hamber agreed the act was cruel, Hamber replied, “I don’t agree with that, no.” She later acknowledged that recording the boy appeared “provoking” in hindsight, but said she sent the video to her wife to show what her day had been like and asked her to “watch to the end.”
Hamber’s explanation of the boys’ eating and care
Hamber has testified that most days she fed the boys three meals and two snacks. She said the older boy would sometimes regurgitate food and swallow it again. At the time of his death he was on a wait list for an eating-disorder clinic.
On cross-examination, Frew pointed out the boy’s thin frame and the way his wetsuit hung loosely. Hamber said she did not notice the bones in his neck or that the suit was baggy. She has also testified that she dressed the boys in wetsuits to prevent them from urinating on furniture and to reduce self-harm risks.
Crown’s narrative and defence response
The Crown’s cross-examination framed Hamber as a person who presented herself as specially qualified to care for children with behavioural challenges but became overwhelmed soon after the boys moved in. That portrayal included an allegation that resentment set in within weeks due to the children’s behaviours and perceived lack of attachment.
Hamber denied those assertions. She rejected the idea that she had billed herself as a child-behavioural specialist, saying an online biography suggesting that was inaccurate. Her wife, Brandy Cooney, 44, faces separate charges, including first-degree murder related to the younger brother.
What happened next in the trial
The judge-alone trial has stretched over five months as the court reviews testimony, videos and documentary evidence. Defence counsel and the Crown have sparred over interpretations of the recordings and testimony about daily care.
- Videos from Aug. 21, 2021, show a 12-year-old boy pleading for food and saying he was being denied breakfast.
- Hamber says she provided three meals and two snacks most days and noted the boy’s history of bingeing and regurgitating food.
- Crown argues Hamber grew resentful and overwhelmed soon after the boys moved in; Hamber denies that portrayal.
- Publication ban protects the boys’ identities. Brandy Cooney is also charged in relation to the younger brother.
Court is scheduled to resume on Thursday. Testimony is expected to conclude on Friday, with final arguments set for March. The proceedings continue under the existing publication ban protecting the boys’ identities.
The case raises questions about care for children with complex needs and how those challenges are handled in homes and by services. The trial will determine whether the Crown can establish criminal responsibility for the boys’ deaths.
trialBurlingtonchild carecourtcrime
