Chronic alcoholic who ignored his child's pleas for help with dead mother is jailed

Court heard both parents were heavy drinkers and after the woman collapsed, the man continued drinking despite his 11-year-old daughter begging her father for help with her mother

The 45-year-old man pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two charges of child cruelty on dates in 2020.

Warning: This story contains distressing content

A chronic alcoholic who ignored his 11-year-old daughter’s pleas for assistance for her mother who lay dead in their apartment for up to four days during a covid-19 lockdown has been jailed.

The court heard both parents were heavy drinkers and after the woman collapsed, the man continued drinking. The child begged and pleaded with her father for help with her mother after she fell.

The woman, who was in end-stage alcoholism, died, but the girl continued to attempt to care for her for about four days, bringing her blankets and food, before seeking help from neighbours.

The man, who is now sober and no longer has care of his daughter, told gardaí he did not remember these events. He said alcoholism had turned him “from a human to a monster”. 

The 45-year-old man pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two charges of child cruelty on dates in 2020. He has no previous convictions. The maximum sentence for theses offences is seven years imprisonment.

Reporting restrictions apply in the case to protect the identity of the child.

Judge Martin Nolan said the only real issue in this case was whether the accused deserved to go to prison because of the neglect of his daughter.

“Obviously if you have children, you have a solemn duty to mind that child, care for that child and put the interests of that child above your own needs,” said Judge Nolan.

Severe alcohol problems

He said the accused and his wife had severe alcohol problems and he did not deal appropriately with his spouse’s death, “to put it in the mildest way”. He said he had afforded no care whatsoever to his child.

Judge Nolan said what the child had to endure was incredibly serious. He said she had to take care of herself in a situation where she was not cared for at all and had the sight of her decomposing mother in front of her. He noted her bad living conditions, poor diet and lack of care for her in relation to hygiene.

He said she has suffered long-term psychological trauma and damage as a result of what she endured. He noted she was doing well in care but was having residual difficulties.

Judge Nolan said the mitigation included the man's guilty pleas, co-operation, the absence of a criminal record and a work history.

The judge said the court took into account to some degree his alcohol problem but noted the accused that rendered himself into the state where he was unable to look after his child.

He said individuals have a moral and legal responsibility to mind their children and this man failed to discharge his responsibilities. He said the man’s misbehaviour was too serious to avoid a custodial sentence.

Judge Nolan imposed a three-year sentence and suspended the final 20 months.

The court heard there was background of extreme neglect leading up to these events with the child fending for herself, going to the shop and being unable to wash herself as there was no hot water.

A victim impact statement and psychological report in relation to the child were handed into court but not read out.

Lisa Dempsey BL, prosecuting, said the child indicated she had been damaged for life.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.