Patricia O'Byrne, the B.C. woman accused of abducting her infant daughter almost two decades ago, has been released on bail.
Ms. O'Byrne appeared in a Toronto court Monday where she posted $55,000 along with $219, 000 provided by four sureties, who are friends.
"She fled in order to be with her daughter, whom she loves more than anything in the world," her lawyer, Edward Greenspan, said outside court.
"I think she's very strong. I think her strength is derived from a very incredibly close bond she has with her daughter."
Police allege the 54-year-old abducted her own toddler in 1993 while in the midst of a custody battle. While an arrest warrant was issued one month later, she wasn't arrested until December 2011, after police followed a tip received in September through the Missing Children Society of Canada and shifted the investigation to the West Coast.
The young woman's father, Joe Chisholm, spent the last 18 years searching for her, following leads and posting messages through social media in hopes they could make contact.
Ms. O'Byrne was initially denied bail, but Mr. Greenspan appealed the decision.
As part of the terms of her release, Ms. O'Byrne is required to stay in Victoria, B.C. except for trips to Ontario for court hearings or to visit her daughter.
Her daughter was in the courtroom, and was greeted by friends. Prior to the proceedings, she sat quietly, at one point burying her face in her hands. A court order prevents her from being identified.