Courts / Ireland / Report
Concerns raised about children years before they went into care, Munster abuse trial hears
2021-06-22
Trial
Summary
In a Munster abuse trial, concerns were raised about two children up to five years before they entered care. A medical social worker referred the case in 2011 after the children had third‑degree burns at a neonatal appointment. The children were taken into care in 2016. The father admitted giving the children melatonin to help them settle, giving more to his daughter. The six accused family members—parents, aunts and uncles—range in age from 27 to 56 and live across Munster. They are charged with abusing three children between 2014 and 2016 and neglecting five children. All deny the charges. The social worker, assigned in 2014, noted earlier referrals and described the family's filthy home, lack of hygiene, and inconsistent statements. She reported that by 2016 the children's well‑being was deemed detrimentally affected, leading to their removal from the family. The trial continues before a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Concerns raised about children years before they went into care, Munster abuse trial hears. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 18, 2014 Incident
- April 28, 2016 Incident
- 2014 and 2016 Other
- 2021-06-22 Publication
Why: He said he did this because they wouldn't "settle" and that he gave the most to his daughter as "she was the hardest to knock out", the court heard. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Topics
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request