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Judge directs not guilty verdict against woman in Munster abuse trial

Summary

In a Munster child‑abuse trial, Judge Paul McDermott directed the jury to return a not‑guilty verdict by direction for the 32‑year‑old woman who had been charged with four counts of sexual assault and exploitation. The judge withdrew those charges, stating there was no evidence to support them, and the woman would no longer be an accused. He also withdrew three charges against the children's father, one against the uncle, and two against a third man, entering not‑guilty by direction for each. The trial continues against the remaining accused, who have all pleaded not guilty to various counts of rape, assault, exploitation and neglect. The judge emphasized his responsibility to determine which counts remain based on the evidence presented. The case remains ongoing before Mr Justice McDermott.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge directs not guilty verdict against woman in Munster abuse trial. Charges or matters: 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
• 2014 and 2016 Other
• 2021-07-15 Publication

Why: He said he was on a GAA pitch with his daughter at the time because he was aware the children were going to be taken into care and he didn't want his child to witness it. CNI source report

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report