NEW SEARCH FOR MUM OF KERRY BABY JOHN
Cold case probe goes door-to-door
GARDAI yesterday started doorto-door cold case inquiries 34 years after the body of an infant washed up on a beach.
The inquiries on Valentia Island are part of a review into the notorious 1984 Kerry Babies investigation which shocked the nation.
The body of a newborn infant, who was later named John, washed up on White Strand in Cahersiveen in the county on April 14.
The baby had been stabbed several times.
A postmortem carried out by the then state pathologist, John Harbison, estimated the child was around five days old and had been dead for two days before his body was found by a local man.
The discovery of the remains on the shore, and the subsequent Grave in Co Kerry discovery of the body of a second infant on a farm near Abbeydorney in North Kerry, became known as the Kerry Babies case.
A local woman Joanne Hayes was charged with the murder of baby John in May 1984.
The accusation against her as well as charges of concealment of the birth against four members of her family were subsequently dropped on the instruction of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Ms Hayes and her relatives claimed gardai had threatened and coerced her into making a false confession.
In January, the Serious Crime Review team began a new look at the investigation.
Yesterday’s door-todoor inquiries are part of the probe.
Approximately 20 officers – both uniform and detectives – are taking part in the investigation, expected to last for two days.
Gardai say there is no specific line of inquiry in Valentia Island other than its proximity to White Strand beach where the infant was found. Other areas may be targeted in the future.
Superintendent Flor Murphy, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is an opportunity for them to help bring closure to this terrible event and ensure baby John receives justice.
“Please help us find that truth for baby John by contacting us here in Caherciveen on 066 9473610.”
A Garda review of the DNA evidence, announced in January, confirmed Ms Hayes was not the mother of the infant found at White Strand.
She also received an apology from Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Daughter Trudy