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Prosecution of mother whose toddler died after taking methadone 'merciless', defence say
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, Sadie Douglas, 39, pleaded not guilty to wilful neglect of her two‑year‑old daughter, Heidi, who died in April 2016 after ingesting methadone. The post‑mortem concluded acute brain inflammation caused by methadone ingestion. The prosecution argued Douglas failed to supervise Heidi, misled paramedics about methadone in the house, and did not provide crucial information. Evidence included a cup with methadone residue, DNA traces of Douglas's partner Christopher O'Reilly, and multiple methadone bottles with childproof lids. O'Reilly, a recovering heroin addict on daily methadone, pleaded guilty to the same charge. The trial highlighted Douglas's grief after the earlier death of her four‑year‑old daughter, Sophie, and the emotional difficulty of the case. The judge instructed the jury to deliberate on the evidence presented.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Prosecution of mother whose toddler died after taking methadone 'merciless', defence say. Charges or matters: wilful neglect of her child leading to her death on dates between April 13 and 14, 2016. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 2016 Other
- April 13 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-06-21 Publication
Why: He said that when Ms Douglas said there wasn't any methadone in the house that Thursday morning, she was saying this because O'Reilly finished it every Wednesday. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: wilful neglect of her child leading to her death on dates between April 13 and 14, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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