Courts / Offaly / Report

GP told gardai she didn't make "conscious decision" to take disabled daughter "out of this world"

Date
2016-12-05

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tullamore

County
Offaly

Summary

The trial of Bernadette Scully, 58, a GP accused of unlawfully killing her profoundly disabled daughter, Emily Barut, continued at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy. Ms Scully, who has pleaded not guilty, is alleged to have caused Emily's death on September 15, 2012, through gross negligence by administering an excessive quantity of chloral hydrate at their home in Tullamore. On the fifth day of the trial, her interviews with gardai were read into evidence. Ms Scully stated she did not make a conscious decision to take Emily "out of this world," claiming she was panicked and exhausted after Emily suffered an unprecedented seizure. She admitted giving approximately 32ml of sedative, double her usual maximum, to stop the fit, but denied premeditation. She acknowledged that Professor Cassidy, the applicant for the post-mortem, had suggested her actions led to the death. The court heard that Ms Scully made two suicide attempts that day and wrote a note at the scene, which she denied writing before Emily died. The matter was adjourned and continues tomorrow morning.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: GP told gardai she didn't make "conscious decision" to take disabled daughter "out of this world". Charges or matters: unlawfully killing Emily Barut at their home at Emvale, Bachelor's Walk, Tullamore. Procedural stage: trial

When: