Jury fail to reach verdict in childminder trial

A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has failed to reach a verdict in the trial of a registered childminder charged with causing serious harm to a ten-month-old infant. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of Cavan town, had pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the child on 28 March 2012. The trial heard that the baby presented at Cavan General Hospital with a brain bleed, detached retina and fractured ribs after being in Ms Higgins's care. Prosecution medical experts testified the injuries were consistent with violent shaking and non-accidental trauma. Defence experts suggested the evidence indicated head trauma and possible reactivation of an earlier injury. After deliberating for just under six hours on day eight of proceedings, the jury of twelve informed Judge Patricia Ryan they could reach neither unanimous nor majority verdict. Ms Higgins was remanded on continuing bail. The case has been listed for mention on 2 July before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.