Baby had fractured ribs, assault trial told

THE trial of a Cavan childminder accused of causing serious harm to a baby has heard the infant had fractured ribs when she was admitted to hospital with seizures.

On the second day of the trial of Sandra Higgins, 37, consultant paediatrician Dr Christopher Hobbs read from hospital reports detailing the baby’s injuries.

These included brain haemorrhages, facial bruising, detached retinas and rib fractures.

Dr Hobbs, a UK expert in physical signs of child abuse, told the jury that a radiologist’s report showed rib fractures on both of the baby’s sides that could have been at least seven to ten days old.

Ms Higgins, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the ten-month-old baby at her home on March 28, 2012.

Dr Hobbs told Kerida Naidoo SC, prosecuting, that the baby’s mother told doctors she had noticed a large bruise under the baby’s left eye in early March, 2012, as well as bruises on subsequent dates, and began seeking alternative childminding.

Dr Hobbs said records show the baby was brought to Cavan General Hospital A&E unconscious, ‘pale and floppy’, with bruising on her face and body.

The trial, scheduled to last for three weeks, continues before Judge Pauline Codd and a jury of seven men and five women.