Woman charged with attempted baby abduction

A 36-year-old woman was remanded in custody tonight after being charged in connection with the attempted abduction of a newborn baby in Cork.

Marie Crean, of Western Road, Cork, was charged with intentionally taking a baby and removing him from the lawful control of his mother.

It is understood the charge relates to the removal of a baby boy from a cot at the Erinville Maternity Hospital just after 8.30pm yesterday.

A woman allegedly attempted to leave the building before she was stopped by security personnel, who had been alerted by midwifery staff.

The hospital’s alarm system, which includes electronic tags on babies, was also activated.

The four-day-old baby was examined and found to be unharmed.

Tony Long, deputy general manager of the Cork University Hospitals Groups, which includes the Erinville, said the baby’s mother was receiving counselling following the incident.

“Senior staff at the hospital last night informed the mother of the situation. She was naturally distressed,” he said.

“They have provided further support and counselling to her...

“They are all well at the moment and the health board does regret the distress that it has caused but I think we are also satisfied that our security system did work well on this occasion,” he added.