Charges dropped against gambling father

The Crown has dropped criminal charges against a Calgary man who left his toddler in a freezing van while he headed inside a casino to gamble.

Firefighters were called to the Silver Dollar Casino on a cold morning in March 2009 after hearing cries from the van.

They then found the boy strapped in a car seat, wearing only light clothing and barefoot.

The Calgary Sun reports the Crown was convinced not to proceed with the charge after getting written charter submissions from the defence, saying going forward with the charges was not in the public's interest.