Courts / Cavan / Report

Juror's google search collapses retrial of childminder

Date
2017-05-02

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Cavan

County
Cavan

Summary

A retrial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has collapsed following a juror's internet research into a witness in the case. The jury had retired to consider their verdict when a juror informed Judge Martin Nolan that the jury foreman had disclosed she had googled background information about one of the witnesses. The juror stated she felt compromised and unable to deliberate fairly. Judge Nolan discharged the entire jury after confirming the foreman's conduct. Sandra Higgins, aged 36, of Cavan town, Co Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old child at her home on 28 March 2012. The prosecution alleged the infant was assaulted and subsequently presented to hospital with serious injuries. This was the second trial; the first jury failed to reach a verdict. Judge Nolan indicated the Director of Public Prosecutions will consider whether to proceed with a third trial, emphasising the importance of fair trial proceedings. Higgins was remanded on continuing bail, with the matter adjourned to 11 May.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Juror's google search collapses retrial of childminder. 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 Incident
May 11th Adjournment
2017-05-02 Publication

Why: Credit: Collins) By Sarah Jane Murphy The retrial of a child-minder charged with causing serious harm to a ten-month-old baby has collapsed because of a juror researching the case on the internet. CNI source report

Case subjects

Sandra Higgins

Defendant

Charges: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby at her home on March 28 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: The judge said the defendant is entitled to a fair trial and "the people of Ireland are entitled to have trials conducted fairly." Judge Nolan remanded Sandra Higgins on continuing bail, and said the case will be dealt with on May 11th. "It is a matter of great importance that the matter be dealt with expeditiously," he said.