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Doctor tells genital mutilation trial that injury didn't match father's story

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a paediatric surgeon, Dr Sri Paran, testified that the genital injury observed on a girl did not align with the father's account of a fall onto a toy. He described the injury as a cut with bleeding above the expected clitoral location and noted the absence of the clitoral head. Dr Paran warned that if the bleeding had not been stopped, the child could have suffered breathing difficulties and shock within 20 hours. He also stated that the injury was unlike any he had seen before and that the child appeared well‑nourished otherwise. Dr Sinead Harty, a forensic paediatrician, confirmed that the injury was inconsistent with a fall, noting no bruising or swelling, and concluded it was likely the result of female genital mutilation. Both parents denied involvement, and the trial was set to continue the next day before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury. The unnamed 37-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Doctor tells genital mutilation trial that injury didn't match father's story. Charges or matters: one count of child cruelty on the same day. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 16, 2016 Incident
• September 19, 2016 Other
• 2019-11-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report