Jury to continue deliberating in trial of childminder accused of assaulting baby

A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court adjourned its deliberations in the trial of a Cavan childminder accused of assaulting a ten-month-old baby. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the child on 28 March 2012. The jury of eight men and four women suspended their deliberations after four hours and will resume tomorrow. The trial heard evidence that the child presented at Cavan General Hospital around 5pm on the date in question with a brain bleed, detached retina and fractured ribs, subsequently suffering seizures. The prosecution contends the injuries resulted from violent shaking while the child was in Ms Higgins's care. Medical experts called by the prosecution stated the injuries were non-accidental and likely sustained in her custody. Defence experts suggested the evidence indicated head trauma potentially from reactivation of an earlier injury. Ms Higgins denied the allegations to gardai.