Juror's google search collapses retrial of childminder

A retrial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has collapsed following a juror's internet research into a witness in the case. The jury had retired to consider their verdict when a juror informed Judge Martin Nolan that the jury foreman had disclosed she had googled background information about one of the witnesses. The juror stated she felt compromised and unable to deliberate fairly. Judge Nolan discharged the entire jury after confirming the foreman's conduct. Sandra Higgins, aged 36, of Cavan town, Co Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old child at her home on 28 March 2012. The prosecution alleged the infant was assaulted and subsequently presented to hospital with serious injuries. This was the second trial; the first jury failed to reach a verdict. Judge Nolan indicated the Director of Public Prosecutions will consider whether to proceed with a third trial, emphasising the importance of fair trial proceedings. Higgins was remanded on continuing bail, with the matter adjourned to 11 May.