Courts / Dublin / Report

Neighbours tell child cruelty trial of hearing screaming

Date
2021-10-07

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

During a trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a 39‑year‑old man and a 36‑year‑old woman, who pleaded not guilty, faced two assault‑causing‑serious‑harm charges and three child‑cruelty charges for the alleged abuse of their young daughter between 28 June and 2 July 2019. The prosecution, represented by Anne Rowland SC, argued that the child suffered a brain injury that will likely require 24‑hour care for life. Neighbours testified that they heard frequent screaming and shouting from the defendants' home, with the noise reportedly increasing in intensity and frequency in the weeks leading up to 2 July. Fire‑brigade officers and a nursing staff member from Temple Street Children's Hospital also provided evidence of the child's injuries and the parents' distressed state. The case remains before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Neighbours tell child cruelty trial of hearing screaming. Charges or matters: two charges of assault causing serious harm to the child and three charges of child cruelty at the family home in Dublin on dates between June 28 and July 2, 2019 Anne Rowland SC, prosecuting, has told the jury that the child sustained a brain injury that prevents her from normal functioning and she is likely to need 24-hour care for the rest of her life. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 28 Incident
July 2, 2019 Incident
July 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
July 2 Hearing Or Sentence
2021-10-07 Publication

Why: She said it was unusual because of the different location and struck her as "somewhat more urgent, or panicked" and with "more power" than previously. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed 39-year-old

Defendant

Charges: two charges of assault causing serious harm to the child and three charges of child cruelty at the family home in Dublin on dates between June 28 and July 2, 2019 Anne Rowland SC, prosecuting, has told the jury that the child sustained a brain injury that prevents her from normal functioning and she is likely to need 24-hour care for the rest of her life (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty