Woman faces trial after child enters Cork shop alone and asks for food

Gardaí allege a delay in reporting a missing child after a three-year-old was found alone in a shop late at night

The parties cannot be identified as publication of the child’s name is prohibited in the circumstances by the Children’s Act.

A mother charged with child neglect now faces trial by judge and jury where it is alleged it took 35 minutes for her to report to gardaí that her three-year-old child was missing on a night when he arrived hungry in a grocery shop asking for food.

The case had been adjourned until Thursday for an indication of whether or not she would be signing a plea of guilty to the charge. 

Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said that there was no such plea forthcoming and that a book of evidence would be required.

Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until February 19, on the application of Sergeant Gearóid Davis, to allow time for a book of evidence to be prepared.

Sergeant John Kelleher outlined the allegations previously. 

“The three-year-old entered the store (at 9.40pm) alone and complained to the shopkeeper that he was hungry," he 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.

Based on the 39-year-old mother’s 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.

As the matter was being outlined when it first came before the court, the woman said of her infant son: “He has ADHD, he was looking for sweets.” 

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 parties cannot be identified as publication of the child’s name is prohibited in the circumstances by the Children’s Act.