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. Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said that there was no such plea forthcoming and that a book of evidence would be required. Sergeant John Kelleher outlined the allegations previously. 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. The parties cannot be identified as publication of the child’s name is prohibited in the circumstances by the Children’s Act.

Source: Irish Examiner January 08, 2026 17:33 UTC