‘SOLID EVIDENCE TOT WAS ABUSED’ Crime gang probe part of CAB raid on car dealers Amanda urges us all to sea sense...
Court hears baby had brain injuries and rib fractures
BMW X5 yesterday A SUSPECTED organised crime gang with links to the motor trade have been raided by anti-money laundering detectives.
The Criminal Assets Bureau swooped on a family-run motor dealership in West Dublin and seized 10 luxury SUVS.
Gardai confirmed the vehicle haul of eight Range Rovers and two BMW X5s,.
The operation, backed up by Revenue Customs officers and detectives, was examining VRT offences related to the importation of cars.
The raids are targeting a group who are thought to be linked to a West Dublin gang who are also involved in the drug trade.
A source said: “They were previously hit in a CAB raid on the same gang who were suspected of importing hundreds of luxury cars last year.
“There is a member of the gang that has a conviction for drug importation – and it is suspected this car importation is linked to a drugs empire.
“It is understood this is part of a money laundering enterprise.”
Gardai believe the family-based gang were behind a €1million cocaine seizure in 2014 and a €4.9million heroin raid.
And a €280,000 cash bust in 2015 turned up sub-machine guns and handguns. TV presenter Amanda Byram is hoping to clean up and do her bit to help save our oceans from plastic.
The Dancing With The Stars host was at Dollymount Strand for the launch of Sky Ocean Rescue which aims to inspire everyone to make simple changes.
And a survey it commissioned has found 85% of Irish people are concerned by our plastic usage.
However, Dubliner Amanda will be swapping her home shores for LA this summer as she jets off for work.
The 44-year-old said long distance isn’t an issue for her and her husband Julian Okines.
She added: “You have to fully trust and understand each other and then nothing is an issue.” THE trial of a childminder accused of causing serious harm to a baby heard yesterday the infant suffered brain injuries and fractured ribs.
Consultant paediatrician Dr Christopher Hobbs read from reports detailing the 10-month-old’s injuries which also included brain haemorrhages, facial bruising and detached retinas.
He said looking at the pattern of bruising and the rib fractures, there was “solid evidence” she had been abused.
Dr Hobbs added the “triad” of brain injuries – bleeding on the brain, retinal haemorrhage and brain dysfunction – pointed to non-accidental trauma.
And the doctor, a UK expert in physical signs of child abuse, told the jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that a radiologist’s report showed rib fractures on both of the baby’s sides that could have been at least seven to 10 days old.
Sandra Higgins, 37, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby at her home on March 28, 2012.
On day two of the trial, Dr Hobbs told how he had been asked for his expert opinion in the probe.
Reading from medical records, he said the baby’s mother told doctors Ms Higgins informed her the child had fallen and vomited in early March 2012.
He said the mother told doctors she had noticed a large bruise under the little girl’s left eye on this occasion.
The mother added she spotted more bruises on the baby on subsequent dates and began seeking alternative childminding.
Dr Hobbs said from the notes, the baby’s mother stated Ms Higgins had given explanations for the bruises, including the child falling over.
He said the records showed the baby was brought to Cavan General Hospital A&E unconscious and “pale and floppy”, with bruising on her face and body.
Dr Hobbs said the infant was transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin two days later, where she continued having seizures.
The trial, which is scheduled to last for three weeks, continues before Judge Pauline Codd and a jury of five women and seven men. Sandra Higgins yesterday