HSE accused of failing to protect 'defenceless' girl living with couple alleged to have neglected her

A "defenceless" intellectually disabled orphaned girl was allegedly physically abused and severely neglected over years while living with a couple not related to her and who had no legal rights concerning her, the High Court has heard.

Serious concerns were also raised over possible sexual abuse of the girl, known as Amy, arising from her exhibiting sexualised behaviour as a child.