Courts / Ireland / Report
Youngest child at '0.4th percentile' for weight, Munster abuse trial hears
Summary
In a Munster abuse trial, a GP reported that the youngest child in a family of five was at the 0.4th percentile for weight, suggesting inadequate food intake. Over a year, the boy's weight percentile rose to the 10th before falling back to the 0.4th, and his height moved from the 2nd to the 9th percentile. The doctor noted the boy was the most underweight and that his height was also below average, attributing height to genetics. The trial also heard from a pharmacist who said the family collected melatonin at half the expected frequency, implying possible over‑ or under‑medication. A family support worker described the mother as defensive and unwilling to engage with children, and the father as lacking warmth. The case involves six accused family members, all pleading not guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault, exploitation and neglect, with the trial set to continue next week.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Youngest child at '0.4th percentile' for weight, Munster abuse trial hears. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- December 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 18, 2014 Incident
- April 28, 2016 Incident
- 2014 and 2016 Other
- 2014 to 2016 Other
- 2021-06-25 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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