Courts / Offaly / Report

GP's defence tell jury they'll "never come across a case like this again"

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 58‑year‑old GP Bernadette Scully stands accused of unlawfully killing her 11‑year‑old daughter, Emily Barut, who was profoundly disabled. The prosecution alleges Scully's gross negligence in administering excessive chloral hydrate on 15 September 2012, with toxic levels found in Emily's system. Scully, who pleaded not guilty, claims she gave the drug in response to seizures and that medical conditions could have caused death. The defence argues she acted under extreme stress, had no alternative medication, and that the post‑mortem indicated a possible terminal seizure. The trial has focused on whether Scully breached her duty of care, with the jury instructed to consider the evidence of drug dosage, medical history, and the circumstances surrounding the night of Emily's death. The case remains at the trial stage, with no verdict yet reached.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: GP's defence tell jury they'll "never come across a case like this again". Charges or matters: unlawfully killing 11-year-old Emily Barut, who was profoundly disabled, at their home at Emvale, Bachelor's Walk, Tullamore. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• Saturday September 15th, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-12-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report