Childminder goes on trial for third time accused of causing serious harm to baby

A jury has been empanelled at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for the second retrial of a Cavan childminder accused of causing serious harm to a baby. Sandra Higgins, aged 36, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, denies intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old infant at her home on 28 March 2012. Judge Cormac Quinn instructed the jury panel that the case had previously proceeded to trial twice. The court heard allegations that the baby presented at hospital with non-accidental injuries on the date in question. Evidence is expected from civilian and garda witnesses from County Cavan, with the defence potentially calling a paediatrician from Wales. The jury was sworn in but sent home following a legal issue and was due to return the following day. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks.