LONGUEUIL - A bail hearing has been postponed for a 71-year-old Longueuil man charged with attacking his 13-year-old daughter as the Crown ponders new charges.

Police say Moussa Sidime called 9-1-1 last Wednesday to say he had struck his daughter and that she was bleeding from the nose. He was arrested that day.

The man's daughter, Noutene, was taken to the Montreal Children's Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries Saturday after slipping in to a coma.

An autopsy will be performed to determine if her death is the direct result of the blow to the face.

Manslaughter charges anticipated

Sidime, a man of small stature who looked frail Tuesday as he stood in the accused box, is expected to face charges of manslaughter should the autopsy reveal a link between the assault and the girl's death.

"Right now we only know a death occurred, but we have to know what the cause of death was. When we know all the elements, we will be able to take a decision," said prosecutor Julie Laborde.

Sidime is described by neighbours as a deeply religious man who argued with his daughter over her refusal to pray.

Relatives in court Tuesday blew kisses to the elderly man during his short appearance. His lawyer confirmed that the man's wife and Noutene's mother was in the courthouse to support her husband, as well as two older sons who travelled from the United States for the court appearance.

"He's overwhelmed with the situation. He doesn't grasp the situation, and he's very sad about the situation," said defence lawyer Marie-Josee Dahaime.

Sidime is expected back in court Friday, when prosecutors hope autopsy results will be made available.

Friends celebrate Noutene's life

Meanwhile students, teachers, and friends of Noutene gathered Tuesday morning to mourn her death.

About 700 students in grades 8 and 9 assembled in the field behind Jacques Rousseau school so students who were touched by the death had the chance to discuss the sudden death.

There were tears, along with cheers and a release of white and yellow balloons to celebrate Noutene's life.

The student who organized the event said he wanted to show her family how much Noutene, who many students described as a ray of sunshine, was appreciated by her fellow classmates.

None of the students said they had any inkling that Noutene ever faced any problems at home.

The school's principal has brought four psychiatrists to the school so students have plenty of time for one-on-one discussions should they need it.