Courts / Dublin / Report
Father told detective that 'djinn' was inside daughter, trial hears
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, a 39‑year‑old father and his 36‑year‑old wife pleaded not guilty to two assault‑causing‑serious‑harm charges and three child‑cruelty charges for their nine‑year‑old daughter. The daughter, who now requires 24‑hour care after a brain injury, was admitted to Temple St children's hospital with head, facial injuries and extensive bruising. The father told Detective Inspector David McInerney that he had performed a ritual to remove a "djinn" from his daughter's body, describing the djinn as a devil. He claimed he consulted a Moroccan ruqyah practitioner, who advised prayers and holy water, and that he placed a towel over the child's head while reciting Koranic prayers. The father also said he opened a bedroom window and told the djinn to leave, after which the child allegedly hit her head on the wall. The trial continues before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Father told detective that 'djinn' was inside daughter, trial hears. 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. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 28 Incident
- July 2, 2019 Incident
- July 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-10-13 Publication
Why: Dt Inspt McInerney said that the father told him his daughter couldn't sleep "because the djinn was inside her". CNI source report
Case subjects
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 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request