Child minder pleads not guilty to charge of causing serious harm to 10-month-old baby

A registered childminder from County Cavan has pleaded not guilty to charges of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old infant at her home on 28 March 2012. The trial opened at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court with evidence from the child's mother, who stated the infant was well when dropped at the accused's residence in Drumgola Wood, Cavan town that morning. The child was brought to Cavan General Hospital at approximately 4.30pm presenting with active seizures and extensive facial bruising. Medical evidence presented by the prosecution indicated retinal haemorrhaging consistent with violent shaking injury. The mother testified she noticed a swelling on the infant's face and that the child was unconscious upon arrival at hospital. Subsequent medical examination revealed two rib fractures estimated at three to four weeks old. The defence indicated it will call expert evidence questioning the violent shaking diagnosis. The trial is scheduled for six days before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury.