Courts / Dublin / Report
Mother who allowed toddler son to be ill-treated avoids jail
Summary
A 24‑year‑old mother was given a suspended three‑year sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of allowing her two‑year‑old son to be ill‑treated. The offences occurred in February 2017, when the child suffered extensive bruising that was discovered by hospital staff at Tallaght Hospital. The mother repeatedly lied about the injuries, claiming the boy was a "clumsy child" and later fabricated a visit from a biological father. She failed to seek medical attention and allowed the child to remain in a dangerous environment. The judge noted the seriousness of the assault and the mother's lack of prior convictions. The sentence is suspended on conditions that include continued engagement with relevant services. The child has been removed from her care and is now raised by his maternal grandparents.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Mother who allowed toddler son to be ill-treated avoids jail. Charges or matters: two counts of allowing her child to be ill-treated in a manner which would cause unnecessary suffering or injury to his health or seriously affect his well-being. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 10 Incident
- February 14, 2017 Incident
- February 14 Incident
- 2020-11-06 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of allowing her child to be ill-treated in a manner which would cause unnecessary suffering or injury to his health or seriously affect his well-being (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A mother who allowed her two-year-old son to be ill-treated and repeatedly lied about what happened to him has been given a suspended sentence. The judge handed down a three-year sentence and suspended it on a number of conditions, including that the woman continue to engage with all the relevant services.
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