Senior counsel to study Baby Noleen files

A LEADING senior counsel is to examine files on Baby Noleen, the child found stabbed to death in a laneway 34 years ago, and decide whether any action is required in the case.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has requested a full report from An Garda Síochána into its handling of the investigation into the death of the infant and, based on that review, he may convene a public inquiry.

Yesterday his department asked Patrick Gageby to examine the files and decide if it would be in the public interest for further action to be taken.

Earlier this month an inquest ruled that Cynthia Owen was the mother of the baby girl found stabbed to death in Dun Laoghaire in 1973.

Ms Owen gave birth to the infant, named Noleen, at age 11 and has claimed that the pregnancy was a result of sexual abuse in the family home in White’s Villas, Dalkey, south Dublin.

She said the infant, now buried at a communal plot at Glasnevin cemetery, was stabbed to death with a knitting needle by a person she has identified.

Ms Owen said last week after the inquest found her to be the mother of baby Noleen that she had finally found peace but could not find happiness until a full public inquiry into the case was held.