Jury in childminder case fails to reach a verdict

A jury has failed to reach a verdict in the trial of a child-minder accused of causing serious harm to a ten-month-old baby, writes Declan Brennan.

Registered childminder Sandra Higgins (34) of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan Town, Co Cavan had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby on March 28, 2012.

The trial heard that the child was fine that morning and during the day. Around 5pm Ms Higgins brought her to Cavan General Hospital where she presented with a brain bleed, detached retina and fractured ribs. She continued to have seizures for five days.

The prosecution alleged that the baby's symptoms were consistent with a violent shaking. Doctors who treated the baby girl said it was highly likely that the injuries to the child happened while she was in the care of Ms Higgins and that the injuries were non-accidental.

Expert witnesses for the defence said the evidence was more suggestive of a head trauma and could have been the re-activation of an old injury.

Ms Higgins told gardaí that she cared for the baby like her own children and that she never assaulted her.

This afternoon the jury of eight men and four women told the judge they were unable to reach either a unanimous or majority verdict.

The foreman told the court: “We cannot reach a unanimous or majority verdict and do not believe we will do so with any more time.” It was day eight of the trial and the jury had deliberated for just under six hours.

Judge Patricia Ryan thanked the jury for their time. She remanded Ms Higgins on continuing bail and listed the case for mention again next Thursday (July 2).