Jury in childminder trial told it can return a majority verdict

A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has been instructed that it may return a majority verdict in the trial of a registered childminder charged with causing serious harm to a ten-month-old child. Sandra Higgins of Cavan town has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby on 28 March 2012. The twelve-member jury, which had deliberated for almost five hours, was initially directed to reach unanimity but was advised by Judge Patricia Ryan that a verdict supported by at least ten jurors would be acceptable. The jury requested clarification on the legal definition of recklessness and sought to rehear evidence from expert witnesses, including a consultant paediatrician and a neuropathologist. The prosecution contends the child's injuries, including a brain bleed, detached retina and fractured ribs, resulted from violent shaking whilst in the accused's care. The defence maintains the evidence suggests head trauma or reactivation of an existing injury. The accused has denied the allegations.