Retrial ordered in case of cavan childminder

A Cavan childminder is to go on trial for a second time next May accused of causing serious harm to a ten-month-old baby in her care, writes Declan Brennan.

Registered childminder Sandra Higgins (34) of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan Town, denies the charge of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby on March 28, 2012.

An eight day trial ended last month when a jury were unable to reach a decision in the case.

Today (Thursday) at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Monica Lawlor BL, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said that a decision has been made to direct a new trial.

The court heard there were difficulties with scheduling expert medical witnesses for the second trial and that a date in May would be preferable to all sides.

Judge Martin Nolan set a trial date for May 25 next year (2016). He granted liberty for the case to be re-mentioned if there's any witness difficulties from witnesses on that date. The accused, who is on bail, was present for the brief hearing.