Child minder denied infant was “violently shaken” in her care, trial hears

A childminder accused of causing serious harm to a ten-month-old infant pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the charge. Sandra Higgins, aged 36, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, is alleged to have intentionally or recklessly caused serious harm to the baby at her home on March 28, 2012. During garda interview, Ms Higgins denied that the child was violently shaken or assaulted while in her care. She told gardai she drove the infant to hospital after the baby suffered a seizure at her home. Medical evidence presented to the court indicated the child presented with unusual bruising, subdural haematoma, healing rib fractures, and bilateral haemorrhage behind the eye. Ms Higgins maintained she had cared for the child since June 2011 and that the baby experienced falls within her home. A detective garda confirmed during cross-examination that Ms Higgins had been cooperative throughout questioning. The trial continues before Judge Martin Nolan and jury.