Courts / Cavan / Report
Jury fail to reach verdict in childminder trial
Summary
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has failed to reach a verdict in the trial of a registered childminder charged with causing serious harm to a ten-month-old infant. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of Cavan town, had pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the child on 28 March 2012. The trial heard that the baby presented at Cavan General Hospital with a brain bleed, detached retina and fractured ribs after being in Ms Higgins's care. Prosecution medical experts testified the injuries were consistent with violent shaking and non-accidental trauma. Defence experts suggested the evidence indicated head trauma and possible reactivation of an earlier injury. After deliberating for just under six hours on day eight of proceedings, the jury of twelve informed Judge Patricia Ryan they could reach neither unanimous nor majority verdict. Ms Higgins was remanded on continuing bail. The case has been listed for mention on 2 July before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury fail to reach verdict in childminder trial. Charges or matters: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby girl on March 28, 2012. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 28, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2 Adjournment
- April 13, 2012 Incident
- 2015-06-25 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby girl on March 28, 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: She remanded Ms Higgins on continuing bail and listed the case for mention again before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court next Thursday (July 2).
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Cavan General Hospital
Topics
Related court reports
- Court refuses to reduce sentence for brothel keeper caught with child abuse material
- 'Wouldn't be out of place in a Tarantino movie': Lunney kidnappers challenge sentences for 'animalistic' torture and abduction
- 'A shocking, shocking tragedy': man must first serve six-year term for trying to murder father before starting life sentence for murdering mother, judge rules
- 'We never expected him to be grateful. But we never expected murder': man apologies to family for murdering mother and trying to murder father
- No jail for passenger who sexually assaulted Ryanair cabin crew member
- Former accountant went on 'nationwide tour' with bank card stolen from hospital patient
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request