Jury to begin deliberating in trial of childminder charged with assaulting baby

A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court will begin deliberating tomorrow in the trial of a childminder charged with assaulting a ten-month-old baby. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of Cavan town, Co Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the infant on 28 March 2012. The prosecution alleges Ms Higgins caused injuries consistent with violent shaking, including a brain bleed, detached retina and fractured ribs, while the child was in her care. Medical experts who treated the child stated the injuries were non-accidental and likely occurred during Ms Higgins' supervision. The defence presented expert witnesses suggesting the injuries could result from earlier trauma. Judge Patricia Ryan instructed the jury to base their verdict solely on evidence and common sense, disregarding sympathy for any party. Closing arguments focused on medical evidence, the timing of injuries, and competing expert interpretations regarding the cause of the child's condition.