Toddler died of 'devastating brain injury' five days after ingesting methadone

Court heard from State pathologist in trial of child's mother, who is charged with child neglect leading to death

Sadie Douglas, 39, of Rathsallagh Drive, Shankill, Co Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to neglect of her child. Picture: Collins Courts

Two days after she was admitted to hospital, a two-year-old toddler was shown to have sustained a severe brain injury, a court has heard.

Chief State pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan told Judge Orla Crowe and a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that a scan showed baby Heidi Douglas had a “devastating brain injury”, having been admitted to Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin on April 14, 2016.