Courts / Dublin / Report

'I chose my addiction over my kids': mother avoids jail for neglecting sons

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 33‑year‑old mother pleaded guilty to two counts of wilfully neglecting her 12‑ and 5‑year‑old sons between September 2017 and November 2018. The court heard that the mother, who admitted she had chosen her drug addiction over her children, was "evidently devoted to the children" despite her addiction. Social workers had observed her slurring and unfocused, and her children's school attendance remained problematic. On one occasion a 16‑year‑old niece was found unconscious in the home, and the 5‑year‑old was left in the house with the niece. The children were removed from her care and placed with their great‑aunt. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced the mother to three months imprisonment, suspended the sentence in its entirety, and imposed strict probation conditions for 12 months.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'I chose my addiction over my kids': mother avoids jail for neglecting sons. Charges or matters: two counts of wilfully neglecting her two sons on dates between September 2017 and November 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• September 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2022-01-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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'

Read the original CNI report