Man to face trial on 84 charges of child cruelty and neglect

A man has been returned for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court sitting in Castlebar next month May on 84 charges of child cruelty and neglect over a seven-year period.

The alleged offences, involving three children, occurred at two locations in the west of Ireland between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2009.

The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was served with the book of evidence by Garda David Brandley.

When the accused apppeared before Judge Mary Devins at Claremorris District Court (sitting in Castlebar), Judge Mary Devins remanded him on bail to the May sitting of the Circuit Criminal Court in Castlebar.

Free legal aid was approved by Judge Devins follwoing an application by the solicitor for the accused, Evan O’Dwyer.

The accused is charged that on 84 occasions he did wilfully assault, ill-treat, neglect, abandon, expose a child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to the child’s health or seriously affect their wellbeing contrary to Section 246 of the Childrens’ Act, 2001.