Courts / Dublin / Report
Couple found guilty of neglecting 14-month-old baby
Summary
A jury found a 36‑year‑old mother and her 38‑year‑old partner guilty of wilful neglect of a 14‑month‑old baby. The child suffered bruising to her head, face and body after the family stayed overnight in a derelict house with no electricity or water. Doctors said the injuries were inconsistent with a fall from a mattress, as the mother claimed. The mother pleaded not guilty to wilful neglect and allowing her child to be harmed; the partner pleaded not guilty to wilful assault, wilful neglect and assault causing harm. Judge Martina Baxter directed not‑guilty verdicts on the assault charges and on the mother's charge of allowing harm, but directed guilty verdicts on the remaining neglect counts. The couple remain on bail pending sentencing in March. The child is now in foster care. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The judge exempted the jury from duty for three years.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Couple found guilty of neglecting 14-month-old baby. Charges or matters: wilful neglect and allowing her child to be harmed at a derelict house on dates between January 25 and 27, 2016; wilful assault, wilful neglect, and assaulting the child causing her harm on the same occasion. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 25 Incident
- January 11 Adjournment
- 2020-12-15 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: wilful neglect and allowing her child to be harmed at a derelict house on dates between January 25 and 27, 2016; wilful assault, wilful neglect, and assaulting the child causing her harm on the same occasion (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: The judge said she would allow the couple to remain on bail, but she adjourned the matter for mention on January 11 to ensure they are cooperating with Probation Services ahead of sentencing next March.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Temple Street
- Temple Street Hospital
- The house
Topics
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