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GP accused of killing disabled daughter "could never bear to see anyone hurting", sister tells trial

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, 58‑year‑old Offaly GP Bernadette Scully faces a manslaughter charge for the death of her 11‑year‑old daughter, Emily Barut, who had microcephaly. Teresa Scully, Bernadette's sister, testified that Bernadette had used her medical expertise to try to improve Emily's life, including feeding attempts and seeking specialist advice in England. Teresa described Bernadette's devotion and the family's IVF history, noting that Emily's condition had been diagnosed after birth. She also recounted that Emily had undergone surgery two weeks before her death and suffered from pain and seizures. Bernadette has pleaded not guilty. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: GP accused of killing disabled daughter "could never bear to see anyone hurting", sister tells trial. Charges or matters: unlawfully killing 11-year-old Emily Barut at their home at Emvale, Bachelor's Walk, Tullamore. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 15th, 2012 Other
• 2016-11-30 Publication

Why: "All Bernie ever wanted to do was to have a little baby of her own, and there was no-one more deserving because all she had done all her life was give, give, give," she said. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report