Courts / Dublin / Report

Couple go on trial for child cruelty after daughter (9) left with life-changing injuries

Summary

The trial began for a 39‑year‑old man and a 36‑year‑old woman, whose identities are withheld to protect their nine‑year‑old daughter, who sustained life‑changing injuries on 2 July 2019 at their Dublin home. They pleaded not guilty to charges of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm, child cruelty for failing to provide medical aid, and causing serious disfigurement, as well as two further child cruelty counts between 28 June and 2 July 2019. Prosecutor Anne Rowland presented evidence that the daughter suffered a brain injury preventing normal functioning, was hospitalized on life support, and now requires 24‑hour care. She described extensive cuts, bruises, burns on the soles, palms, and vaginal area, and that the father claimed the injuries were self‑harm. The jury heard a 999 call recording and the case is proceeding before Judge Martin Nolan, expected to last three to four weeks.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Couple go on trial for child cruelty after daughter (9) left with life-changing injuries. Charges or matters: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the child at the family home in Dublin on July 2, 2019; child cruelty, contrary to the Children Act, by failing to provide adequate medical aid on the same occasion; intentionally or recklessly causing serious disfigurement to the child and to two further counts of child cruelty on occasions between June 28 and July 2, 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• July 2, 2019 Other
• June 28 Other
• 2021-10-05 Publication

Why: During the call, the man told the Dublin Fire Brigade paramedic that the girl had fallen off the bike two days earlier and that he wanted to take her to hospital because she was "crying scared". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report