Third re-trial of childminder accused of causing serious harm to baby collapses

The third re-trial of a Cavan childminder accused of causing serious harm to a baby has collapsed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Sandra Higgins, aged 37 of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a baby girl at her home on 28 March 2012. The State alleged the child's injuries, which included head and facial bruising, brain bleeding and detached retinas, were inflicted by Ms Higgins. Judge Pauline Codd found that undisclosed email communications between expert witnesses had not been passed to the defence, potentially hampering adequate trial preparation. The judge ruled a fair trial could not be assured and discharged the jury. Ms Higgins was remanded on continuing bail pending a mention date in July. The Director of Public Prosecutions will determine whether to pursue the matter further.