Woman charged with alleged neglect of children in Donegal

A woman has appeared at a court in County Donegal on three charges relating to alleged neglect of minors.

The defendant is charged that on dates up to and including March 12 1990, being a person having care of a child, did wilfully assault, ill-treat, neglect, abandon, expose the said child or cause, procure or allow the said child to be assaulted/ill-treated/neglected, abandoned/exposed in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering/injury to the child’s health or seriously affect his/her well-being, contrary to section 246 (1) and (2) of the Children Act.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is facing two more identical charges.

The court was told that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) directed trial on indictment

The court ruled that nothing be published that would identify the alleged victims or the defendant.

A Garda gave evidence of the arrest charge and caution of the defendant earlier this week. The defendant made no reply to the charges.

The defendant was released on bail to appear again on April 12. The court was told that time was being extended for service of a book of evidence.

Judge Alan Mitchell released the defendant on bail on condition that she be of good behaviour, live at a stated address, notify Gardai of any change of address, and have no direct or indirect contact with the alleged injured parties except through a named agency.