Courts / Ireland / Report
Detective denies that mother accused of abuse gave 'dangerously unreliable' account
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 34‑year‑old mother accused of abusing her children denied that her admissions were "dangerously unreliable." The mother, who pleaded not guilty to 25 charges including sexual assault and wilful neglect, was interviewed six times over two days in 2018, after her children had been taken into care. The detective who conducted the interviews said she was aware of the mother's mild intellectual disability and adapted the questioning accordingly, ensuring the mother understood that her statements could be used as evidence. The detective confirmed that a solicitor was present at each interview and that the mother had no complaints about her treatment. The trial continues with the mother and other family members still pleading not guilty to various charges.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Detective denies that mother accused of abuse gave 'dangerously unreliable' account. Charges or matters: 25 charges including sexual assault, sexual exploitation and wilful neglect of a child at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 18, 2014 Incident
- April 28, 2016 Incident
- 2014 and 2016 Other
- 2021-07-12 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: 25 charges including sexual assault, sexual exploitation and wilful neglect of a child at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Under cross examination from prosecution counsel, the garda agreed that the woman had 11 consultations with her solicitors during the course of her detention.
Places mentioned
- The Central Criminal Court
Topics
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