Courts / Cork / Report

Mother whose daughter died after taking methadone said she was grieving for tragic loss of other child at time

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Sadie Douglas, 39, pleaded not guilty to child neglect leading to the death of her two‑year‑old daughter Heidi Douglas, who died on 19 April 2016 after ingesting methadone. The post‑mortem found acute brain inflammation most likely caused by methadone. Douglas's partner, Christopher O'Reilly, had pleaded guilty last July to the same charge. O'Reilly, a recovering heroin addict, was taking daily methadone prescribed by a local chemist. The court heard that Douglas was grieving her four‑year‑old daughter Sophie, who had died earlier that year from a brain haemorrhage. Douglas described being in a "little world" and emotionally distressed. DNA evidence linked O'Reilly to a measuring cup containing methadone residue, and a large plastic bottle of methadone was found in the house. The trial continues before Judge Orla Crowe and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mother whose daughter died after taking methadone said she was grieving for tragic loss of other child at time. Charges or matters: child neglect leading to Heidi's death. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 19, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 2016 Other
• 2022-06-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report