Courts / Tipperary / Report
Specialist garda didn't follow certain guidelines for child interview, creche trial hears
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 29‑year‑old accused of sexually assaulting four girls aged five to eight at a Leinster creche pleaded not guilty to 23 counts. The trial has heard evidence from one complainant, now 11, who was interviewed by Garda Louise Curtin in January 2017. The child described the accused touching her privates in various creche locations and said it hurt. Curtin, a specialist interviewer, admitted she did not follow all "Good Practice" guidelines, including not establishing the importance of truth, discussing fantasy versus reality, or assessing suggestibility and alliance among children. She also omitted a question about honesty. The jury viewed a video of the interview, and the case continues before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury of twelve.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Specialist garda didn't follow certain guidelines for child interview, creche trial hears. Charges or matters: 23 counts of sexually assaulting four girls at a créche in Leinster on dates between February 2015 and December 2016. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-02-27 Publication
Why: Not all points in the plan would be covered because the child may not voluntarily broach the subject," the witness replied. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: 23 counts of sexually assaulting four girls at a créche in Leinster on dates between February 2015 and December 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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