Dublin couple on trial over female genital mutilation charge

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

A couple who cannot be named for legal reasons went on trial before Judge Elma Sheahan over the alleged female genital mutilation of their daughter. The proceedings were reported on 20 November 2019.

Both pleaded not guilty to one count of carrying out an act of female genital mutilation on the girl at an address in Dublin on 16 September 2016. They also pleaded not guilty to one count of child cruelty on the same day.

Prosecuting counsel Shane Costelloe SC said the State was not arguing that the couple carried out the procedure, but that they intended to aid, abet, counsel or procure it.

The couple brought their daughter, who was just under two, to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, on 16 September 2016 and sought immediate help because she was bleeding. They claimed she had fallen on a toy while not wearing a nappy.

Professor Thambipillai Sri Paran said he performed surgery to stop the bleeding and that the clitoral head was absent. He said the account of a fall did not match the injury. Paediatrician Dr Sinéad Harty also said the injury was not consistent with a fall on a toy, noting there was no bruising or abrasions.

Harty agreed with the defence that the parents had denied being involved in any FGM on their child. Both doctors confirmed to the defence that the girl and her siblings appeared well cared for and had a loving relationship with their parents. The trial was continuing.