Courts / Cavan / Report
Child minder goes on trial accused of causing serious harm to infant
Summary
A childminder has gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old infant in her care in Cavan. Sandra Higgins, aged 36, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, has pleaded not guilty to the charge relating to an incident on 28 March 2012. The court heard that the child was presented to Cavan General Hospital with seizures and extensive bruising to her face and head. A consultant paediatrician described the injuries as consistent with shaken baby syndrome and stated it was his conclusive view they occurred on the day of hospitalisation. The defence contends that precise dating of injuries is not certain and disputes allegations that entries in a childminding diary were altered. The child's mother gave evidence of her growing concerns following earlier incidents involving bruising. The trial continues before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Child minder goes on trial accused of causing serious harm to infant. Charges or matters: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby at her home on March 28, 2012. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 28, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2 Incident
- March 5 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 22 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 6 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-04-25 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby at her home on March 28, 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Cavan General Hospital
Topics
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