Cork child, 3, walked alone to shop at night and told shopkeeper he was hungry, neglect case told

The judge was told that the child is now living with his father

As the matter was being outlined at Cork District Court the woman spoke up a number of times but was told by the judge and by her solicitor Eddie Burke that she should not speak at this stage in the proceedings. File picture: Larry Cummins

A three-year-old child walked alone to a grocery shop at 9.40pm at night and told the shopkeeper he was hungry.

This scenario was described at an in-camera hearing of Cork District Court where a 39-year-old woman was charged with neglect in respect of the child.

Sergeant John Kelleher outlined the allegations in the case so that Judge Mary Dorgan could decide if it was a suitable case for the district court or if it would have to be sent to the circuit court for trial by judge and jury.

“The three-year-old entered the store alone and complained to the shopkeeper that he was hungry,” Sgt Kelleher said.

The shopkeeper immediately contacted the local garda station and officers arrived at the shop and looked after the child, notifying Tusla of the situation also. Arrangements were made for the welfare of the three-year-old.

Later that night there was a phone call to the same garda station from the mother of the child expressing concern that the boy was missing. Based on interactions on the phone, gardaí were concerned that she was intoxicated.

Sgt Kelleher said gardaí went to her home and found that she was intoxicated. Judge Dorgan was told that the child is now living with his father.

Jurisdiction

As the matter was being outlined the woman spoke up a number of times but was told by the judge and by her solicitor Eddie Burke that she should not speak at this stage in the proceedings.

However, she continued to speak, stating: “He has ADHD, he was looking for sweets.” Judge Dorgan said she had not yet decided the issue of whether she would accept jurisdiction to hear the case at district court level. 

One of the matters on which the judge required more information was the exact time that the child’s mother phoned the garda station about her son being missing.

The charge states that on June 21, 2024, at the particular shop, being a person having custody of a child did wilfully neglect him in a manner likely to cause unnecessary effect on his wellbeing, contrary to the Children’s Act.

The case was adjourned by Judge Dorgan until October 2 at an in-camera hearing of Cork District Court.

While the judge said the issue of jurisdiction had not yet been decided, she commented: “It is a serious matter for a three-year-old to be out loose around the city at twenty to ten at night.”