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Child became 'hysterical' when foster parent tried to bathe him, Munster abuse trial hears

Summary

In a Munster abuse trial, foster parents testified about children who arrived in their care with severe neglect and behavioural issues. One foster mother described a boy who became "hysterical" when she tried to bathe him, noting his yellow, small teeth, shyness, and lack of knowledge of hugging or kissing. Another foster parent reported a child with very little hair, thin, extremely dirty, and a wound on his leg that appeared to have been gouged. The foster parents also described difficulties with food, hidden food, and the children's unsettled behaviour after access visits. Gardaí who had interacted with the family before the children were taken into care made referrals to TUSLA. The trial involves six accused parents, aunts, and uncles, with the father and mother of the three main complainants pleading not guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault, exploitation, and wilfully neglecting a child. The case remains under reporting restrictions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Child became 'hysterical' when foster parent tried to bathe him, Munster abuse trial hears. Charges or matters: three counts, including sexually assaulting the girl and sexually assaulting one of the boys at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016; 12 counts including rape, anal rape, oral rape, sexual assault and sexual exploitation at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016; four counts, including sexual assault and sexual exploitation at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 18, 2014 Incident
• April 28, 2016 Incident
• 2021-06-17 Publication

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report