Courts / Cavan / Report
Third re-trial of childminder accused of causing serious harm to baby collapses
Summary
The third re-trial of a Cavan childminder accused of causing serious harm to a baby has collapsed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Sandra Higgins, aged 37 of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a baby girl at her home on 28 March 2012. The State alleged the child's injuries, which included head and facial bruising, brain bleeding and detached retinas, were inflicted by Ms Higgins. Judge Pauline Codd found that undisclosed email communications between expert witnesses had not been passed to the defence, potentially hampering adequate trial preparation. The judge ruled a fair trial could not be assured and discharged the jury. Ms Higgins was remanded on continuing bail pending a mention date in July. The Director of Public Prosecutions will determine whether to pursue the matter further.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Third re-trial of childminder accused of causing serious harm to baby collapses. Charges or matters: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a baby girl at the accused's home on March 28, 2012. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 28, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-06-21 Publication
Why: Today Judge Pauline Codd explained that an issue arose during legal argument in the absence of the jury. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a baby girl at the accused's home on March 28, 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: She remanded Ms Higgins on continuing bail for a mention date in another court in July.
Places mentioned
Topics
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