Courts / Dublin / Report
Boy tells child cruelty trial he can't remember anything accused man did
Summary
In a trial in Dublin, a 29‑year‑old man accused of child cruelty and sexual abuse of a toddler sister is facing 10 charges. An eight‑year‑old boy gave evidence via video‑link, saying he cannot remember the accused man doing anything. The boy, who was just under three at the time of the alleged offences, had earlier been interviewed by Gardaí in 2019 and 2020. In the final interview he described the man as a "bold daddy" who "hurted us" every day and laughed about it, but he now says he does not remember any of those incidents. The boy also denies remembering his mother's alleged involvement. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice David Keane, continues with a jury hearing the boy's testimony and the man's not‑guilty pleas. The case involves separate charges for the boy and the girl, each with distinct allegations. The man has pleaded not guilty to all 10 charges.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Boy tells child cruelty trial he can't remember anything accused man did. Charges or matters: 10 charges involving sexual abuse and reckless endangerment of a little girl, as well as child cruelty to her and her brother on dates between February and April 2018; seven charges; sexually assaulting her by penetrating her vagina with an object and to intentionally or recklessly endangering her by failing to seek medical help for injuries to her genital area; sexually assaulting her by biting her on her genital area; four charges of child cruelty against the girl, including failing to seek medical help for an injury to her. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 2018 Other
- 2023-06-26 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 10 charges involving sexual abuse and reckless endangerment of a little girl, as well as child cruelty to her and her brother on dates between February and April 2018; seven charges; sexually assaulting her by penetrating her vagina with an object and to intentionally or recklessly endangering her by failing to seek medical help for injuries to her genital area; sexually assaulting her by biting her on her genital area; four charges of child cruelty against the girl, including failing to seek medical help for an injury to her (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request