Courts / Dublin / Report
Suspended sentence for mother-of-three who tried to abduct toddler from creche in "drug induced psychosis"
Summary
Rebecca Cunningham, 34, was given an 18‑month suspended sentence after she tried to abduct a three‑year‑old girl from a South Dublin crèche, believing the child to be her own daughter. Cunningham was in a drug‑induced psychosis and was searching for her child when she entered the crèche's back garden. The child, who was confused but not distressed, walked out with Cunningham until the manager noticed and intervened. The manager calmly asked Cunningham to return the child, but Cunningham refused to let go of the girl's hand, though she was not violent. The child was ultimately returned to staff. Cunningham pleaded guilty to abduction on 22 September 2015. The court noted her mental illness, lack of prior convictions, and her cooperation with bail conditions. Judge Martin Nolan suspended the sentence on strict conditions, including staying away from crèches, schools and other child‑congregating areas, and engaging with the Probation Service.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for mother-of-three who tried to abduct toddler from creche in "drug induced psychosis". Charges or matters: abduction on September 22, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 22, 2015 Other
- 2015-12-08 Publication
Why: Garda Shane Doyle agreed with Seamus Clarke BL, prosecuting, that the manager was "calm but quite purposeful" because she didn't want to upset Cunningham. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: abduction on September 22, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Nolan suspended the 18 month sentence on strict conditions including that Cunningham stay away from a number of named crèche and child-care facilities and areas where children are known to congregate, such as schools. He said she must engage with the Probation Service for the term of her suspended sentence.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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