Courts / Offaly / Report

GP not guilty of killing disabled daughter

Summary

An Offaly GP, Bernadette Scully, was tried for the manslaughter of her 11‑year‑old daughter, Emily Barut, who had severe epilepsy and microcephaly. The prosecution alleged that Scully had given Emily an excessive dose of chloral hydrate on 15 September 2012, leading to intoxication and death. Scully claimed she had administered the drug when Emily became upset at 2 am and 6 am, and again after a seizure at 11 am, stating she had given more than double the usual amount in nine hours. Laboratory tests found Emily's blood contained ten times the therapeutic level of the drug's metabolite, and a post‑mortem confirmed death by chloral hydrate intoxication. The jury deliberated for four hours and two minutes and returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty. The judge discharged the jury and the case concluded with Scully's release.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: GP not guilty of killing disabled daughter. Charges or matters: unlawfully killing 11-year-old Emily Barut at their home at Emvale, Bachelor's Walk, Tullamore. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• Saturday September 15th, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-12-16 Publication

Why: He explained that Emily's body might have been able to handle an increasing dose up to a certain point but then became overwhelmed. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report