Creche worker brought to Wicklow court accused of cruelty to children and assault
The Wicklow PeopleA creche staff member accused of cruelty against children and assault has had his case sent back to the Director of Public Prosecutions after a judge refused jurisdiction
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court charged with assault causing harm and one count of cruelty to children.
Counsel for the accused, Conor Rubalcava, informed the court that directions were made “double peremptory” against the State at a previous sitting.
Sergeant Mick Dee stated that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that the matter be dealt with at District Court level instead of the Circuit Criminal Court, on the condition that the defendant pleads guilty.
A disclosure order was made to Brady Kilroy Solicitors. No application for legal aid was made. The court heard that the disclosure is not “extensive” but contains CCTV footage of the alleged incident and a statement of complaint.
Judge David Kennedy asked the prosecution to outline the alleged facts to determine whether he would accept jurisdiction.
Sgt Dee told the court that in 2025, gardaí received reports of staff misconduct at a crèche in Wicklow.
He added that a father noticed his child was unable to move his right arm. The father reported the incident to the creche.
CCTV footage was reviewed and it is alleged that during “nap time” the defendant was seen picking up the child “roughly”, causing the toddler to sustain a dislocated elbow.
Judge Kennedy refused jurisdiction, ordering that the file be returned to the DPP.
The matter was adjourned for further directions and is due to return before the court for mention in April.