Courts / Ireland / Report
Creche worker cleared of sex assaults on children after two trials
Summary
A 30‑year‑old creche worker was acquitted of all 18 counts of sexual assault against three girls after two trials. The first trial in spring 2020 ended with a hung jury on 18 counts and not‑guilty verdicts on five others. The second trial, lasting four weeks, concluded with a jury finding the accused not guilty on 17 counts; one count was withdrawn by the judge. The case involved allegations of assault in various creche locations, including a toilet cubicle, and was based on statements from the children and their parents. The prosecution also sought a charge of possession of child pornography, which was dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions in June 2020. The defence highlighted alleged investigative failures and suggestibility concerns in the children's testimonies. The jury was thanked by Judge Karen O'Connor and released after a deliberation of one hour and 14 minutes.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Creche worker cleared of sex assaults on children after two trials. Charges or matters: 18 counts of sexual assault relating to three different girls at a creche in Leinster on unknown dates between September 1, 2015 and December 12, 2016. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 1, 2015 Incident
- December 12, 2016 Incident
- December 2016 Incident
- January 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 2020 Incident
- February 2020 Incident
- 2021-10-21 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: 18 counts of sexual assault relating to three different girls at a creche in Leinster on unknown dates between September 1, 2015 and December 12, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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