Courts / Dublin / Report
Jury deliberating in trial of creche worker accused of abusing girls
Summary
A jury has begun deliberating the trial of a 29‑year‑old child‑care worker accused of sexually assaulting four girls aged five to eight at a Leinster crèche between August 2014 and December 2016. The accused pleaded not guilty to 23 counts. Judge Elma Sheahan delivered her charge on day 19 of the trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, emphasizing that jurors must remain unbiased and that the accused is presumed innocent until the prosecution proves guilt beyond reasonable doubt. She noted that the allegations from each child are uncorroborated by independent evidence, though the fact that four children made similar claims could provide strong support if the jury is satisfied that they were not influenced or contaminated. The defence argued that Gardaí failed to assess the children's suggestibility, did not inform them of the importance of truth‑telling, and that the girls' allegations may stem from jealousy, competition for attention, or suggestibility.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury deliberating in trial of creche worker accused of abusing girls. Charges or matters: 23 counts of sexually assaulting four girls at a Leinster crèche on dates between August 2014 and December 2016, when they were aged between five and eight years old. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- August 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-03-18 Publication
Why: The jury sat spread out across the court room, rather than just in the jury box, in order to maintain the recommended social distancing. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 23 counts of sexually assaulting four girls at a Leinster crèche on dates between August 2014 and December 2016, when they were aged between five and eight years old (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Supreme Court
Topics
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