Courts / Cavan / Report
Closing speeches in childminder trial
Summary
Closing speeches have been heard in the trial of a childminder charged with assaulting a baby at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of Cavan town, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old child on 28 March 2012. The prosecution alleges the child presented with seizures, brain injuries and fractured ribs after being brought to Cavan General Hospital, having been normal earlier that day. The defence contends the prosecution cannot conclusively establish when the injuries occurred. Prosecuting counsel argued the evidence demonstrates non-accidental injury inflicted through violence. Defence counsel submitted that expert evidence confirmed injuries cannot be timed conclusively, and questioned why his client should account for older injuries when she was not the sole caregiver in preceding weeks. The jury of eight men and four women is expected to begin deliberations tomorrow. Judge Patricia Ryan presides.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Closing speeches in childminder trial. Charges or matters: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby on March 28, 2012. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 28, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 28 Incident
- 2015-06-23 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby on March 28, 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Cavan General Hospital
Topics
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