Courts / Ireland / Report

Mother accused of murdering children cannot be named after ruling

Summary

The Central Criminal Court has ruled that a woman accused of murdering her young children must be anonymised, following a Court of Appeal decision. The mother, previously named by the media, will now be protected from identification. She is expected to plead not guilty by reason of insanity at her trial next year, which has been adjourned to allow psychiatric reports. The Court of Appeal held that the Children Act 2001, which normally prevents the identification of a child when someone is charged with an offence against them, does not apply to a deceased child. Mr Justice George Birmingham said the language in Section 252 of the Act is clear and that any change would require legislation. Mr Justice Michael White ruled that naming the mother would identify the deceased children, so she must remain unnamed. The trial is scheduled to last three days before a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mother accused of murdering children cannot be named after ruling. Charges or matters: an offence against them, did not exclude a deceased child. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• 2020-11-03 Publication

Why: This morning, Mr Justice Michael White ruled that the mother can no longer be named or identified because the case has to do with an alleged offence against her children. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

Read the original CNI report