Courts / Dublin / Report

Father accused of child cruelty faced 'Hobson's choice', defence say

Summary

In a Dublin trial, a 39‑year‑old man and his 36‑year‑old wife, both of North African origin, pleaded not guilty to two assault‑causing‑serious‑harm charges and three child‑cruelty charges. The case concerns a nine‑year‑old daughter who suffered catastrophic brain injuries on 2 July 2019 and remains fully dependent on carers. The prosecution alleged that the parents, acting in joint enterprise, inflicted violence on the child, including choking, burning, and forcing her hand onto a hot oven, and that they lied to paramedics and Gardaí. The defence argued that the father was not present during the injuries, had found the child unconscious, and faced a "Hobson's choice" between calling 999 and losing everything. The trial is in its closing stages, with jurors set to deliberate tomorrow. The child's identity is protected. The case remains ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Father accused of child cruelty faced 'Hobson's choice', defence say. Charges or matters: two charges of assault causing serious harm 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 2 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-10-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report