Man accused of wilful neglect of two children over four-year period

Accused was arrested and brought before in-camera hearing at Cork District Court

Judge adjourned the case until September 12 for preparation and service of a book of evidence, with the accused on bail. File picture: Larry Cummins

A 36-year-old man accused of neglect of two children — a boy and a girl — over a four-year period was arrested and brought before an in-camera hearing at Cork District Court.

Garda Claire McCarthy charged the defendant with counts related to the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 under the Children’s Act.

The first charge said being a person having care of a child, did wilfully assault, illtreat, neglect, abandon, expose the child or cause, procure or allow the child to be assaulted/ ill-treated/ neglected/ abandoned/ exposed in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering/ injury to the child’s heath or seriously to affect his wellbeing.

The second charge is expressed in similar terms in respect of a named girl.

There was no objection to bail but conditions required him to have no contact with the injured parties, surrender his passport, sign on three times a week at his local garda station, notify gardaí of any change of address, abstain from intoxicants and commit no offences.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

The accused could also sign a plea of guilty to the charges at Cork District Court and be sent forward for sentencing at the circuit court.

Defence solicitor Aoife Buttimer said a book of evidence would be required.

On the application of Sergeant Kelleher, Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until September 12 for preparation and service of a book of evidence, with the accused on bail.

No details of the allegations in the case which gave rise to the charges were outlined in court.