Courts / Dublin / Report

Man accused of sexually abusing toddler told gardai he was 'a good father'

Date
2023-06-28

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A 30‑year‑old Dublin man was charged with 10 offences against his partner's toddler and her brother, including sexual abuse, reckless endangerment and child cruelty, for incidents between February and April 2018. The toddler, aged 23 months, suffered a severe genital injury, extensive bruising and an old fractured wrist when admitted to hospital on 5 April 2018. The man pleaded not guilty to all charges. He claimed he was a "good father" and that the bruising was accidental, citing a fall from a buggy and a wooden toy box. Gardaí and Tusla investigated after the injuries were reported; the mother was arrested in July 2018. The trial is before Mr Justice David Keane and a jury. The man also denied three child‑cruelty charges relating to the boy, aged three. The case remains at the pleading stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man accused of sexually abusing toddler told gardai he was 'a good father'. Charges or matters: 10 charges involving sexual abuse and reckless endangerment of the little girl, as well as child cruelty to her and her brother, on dates between February and April 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

April 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
November 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
January 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
February 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
April 5, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
July 2018 Incident
April 6, 2018 Incident
February 19, 2018 Other
2023-06-28 Publication

Why: He described how he and his partner brought her to hospital in November 2017 because she was sick and her hair was falling out. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed 30-year-old

Accused

Charges: 10 charges involving sexual abuse and reckless endangerment of the little girl, as well as child cruelty to her and her brother, on dates between February and April 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty