Court told woman left her
children alone for 70 minutes

A WOMAN in her 40s was alleged at Dundalk Court to have left three of her children aged 10, five and three at home on their own for 70 minutes while she went to a pharmacy.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faced charges of cruelty to children on August 6 last.

Inspector Martin Beggy told the court that Garda Comiskey attended at the woman’s home but could get o reply. However, they could see children in the house, he aid.

The Gardai failed to establish contact with the mother by phone.

They waited outside the house for 70 minutes during which time one of the children appeared at the bathroom window.

The defendant returned and said she had gone to a pharmacy to get honey for one of the children.

Solicitor Frank McDonnell said that the woman had gone to the pharmacy seeking honey for one of the children who was sick.

He said there was no suggestion of neglect or ill-treatment. The children had been left in the care of the 10 year old. She had done so rather than take all the children with her.

All the children were “in good order” and there was no concern for the safety of the children, Mr McDonnell said.

Judge Flann Brennan ordered a probation report to be prepared and adjourned the case to January 9 next.