Courts / Dublin / Report

Specialist garda denies investigation was 'box-ticking charade'

Date
2020-03-03

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Garda Ciara Holmes gave evidence about her interview of a six‑year‑old girl who was a victim of alleged sexual assault by a childcare worker. Holmes explained that the child declined a recorded interview on 22 December 2016 but was interviewed on 4 January 2017 after a visit to her home on 29 December. She said she met the child and her parents, reassured the child that she had done nothing wrong, and noted the child's body language. Holmes denied that the investigation was a "box‑ticking charade" and said she would have informed the parents if the child had expressed fear or reluctance to talk. She also rejected the defence's claim that the decision‑making log was merely a form‑filling exercise, stating that it reflected the child's willingness to speak. The trial continues before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury of twelve. The unnamed 29-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Specialist garda denies investigation was 'box-ticking charade'. Charges or matters: 23 counts of sexually assaulting four girls at a Leinster créche on dates between February 2015 and December 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When: