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'Devastating' brain injury 'most likely' caused by toddler ingesting methadone, trial hears
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, the neglect trial of Sadie Douglas, charged with wilful neglect leading to the death of her two‑year‑old daughter Heidi, was presented with evidence that Heidi suffered a severe brain injury after ingesting methadone. Chief State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that a scan taken two days after Heidi was admitted to Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin on 14 April 2016 showed a "devastating brain injury" with swelling that pressed onto the spinal column. Dr Mulligan concluded, based on a post‑mortem, that acute cerebellitis—most likely caused by methadone ingestion—led to Heidi's death on 19 April 2016, after she had been clinically dead for several days. The trial also noted that Heidi's partner, a recovering heroin addict, was taking daily methadone doses from a local chemist, with the medication supplied in a child‑proof bottle and a warning that 5 ml could kill a child. Sadie Douglas pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Devastating' brain injury 'most likely' caused by toddler ingesting methadone, trial hears. Charges or matters: wilful neglect leading to the death of the child between April 13 and 14, 2016. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 14, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 13 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 14 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 19 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-06-17 Publication
Why: She added that because the child had been comatose for a number of days, she had also developed bronchial pneumonia which would also have been terminal. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: wilful neglect leading to the death of the child between April 13 and 14, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Our Lady's Children's Hospital
- Rathsallagh Drive
- Rathsallagh Drive house
- Rathsallagh Drive
- Dublin
Topics
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