States drops charge against childminder accused of causing serious harm to infant

The Director of Public Prosecutions has discontinued proceedings against a Cavan childminder who faced allegations of causing serious harm to an infant. Sandra Higgins of Drumgola Wood, Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to a charge of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a baby at her home on 28 March 2012. The case proceeded through four trials at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court before the prosecution applied to withdraw the charge. The fourth trial, presided over by Judge Pauline Codd, ended with jury discharge after undisclosed expert witness communications raised fair trial concerns. Previous trials had also resulted in jury discharge and failure to reach verdict due to various procedural issues. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today, Judge Melanie Greally discharged Ms Higgins from the charge and entered a nolle prosequi following the prosecution's application.