Courts / Dublin / Report
Alcoholic ignored child's pleas for help as mother lay dead for four days
Summary
A 45‑year‑old chronic alcoholic was jailed for 16 months after he ignored his 11‑year‑old daughter's pleas for help when her mother collapsed and later died in their apartment during Covid‑19 restrictions. The mother, in end‑stage alcoholism, died of acute alcohol intoxication, and the daughter cared for her for about four days, bringing blankets and food, before seeking help from neighbours. The father, now sober, told Gardaí he did not remember the events and described himself as a monster. He pleaded guilty to two charges of child cruelty in 2020, with no prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan noted the father's severe alcohol problem and the child's neglect, but imposed a three‑year sentence with the final 20 months suspended, citing the father's guilty pleas, cooperation, lack of criminal record and work history. The case was reported under restrictions to protect the child's identity.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Alcoholic ignored child's pleas for help as mother lay dead for four days. Charges or matters: two charges of child cruelty on dates in 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 2024-03-04 Publication
Why: Judge Martin Nolan said the only real issue in this case was whether the accused deserved to go to prison because of the neglect of his daughter. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: two charges of child cruelty on dates in 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A chronic alcoholic who ignored his 11-year-old daughter's pleas for help for her mother, who lay dead in their apartment for up to four days during Covid-19 restrictions, has been jailed for 16 months. Judge Nolan imposed a three-year sentence and suspended the final 20 months.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
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