A childcare student appeared in court recently for allegedly ‘roughly’ handling a child while on placement at a creche in the south-east.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Judge John Cheatle at an in-camera (closed to public) sitting of Waterford District Court. She is accused of cruelty to a child, contrary to Section 246 (1) and (2) of the Children Act, 2001.
Garda Iain O’Byrne told the court that in late 2024, Gardaí received a report of alleged physical abuse against a young child attending the creche.
Gda Byrne stated that a report had been referred to the Gardaí through Tusla, and an investigation began as a file was then sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The Garda stated the charge centred around alleged ‘roughness’ from the woman, as she picked the child up and placed the child back in a chair on several occasions over a period of time, which was captured on CCTV.
Gda Byrne added that there were no marks on the child as a result of the alleged incident, and played the CCTV footage to the court.
After viewing the footage, Judge Cheatle stated that although it was ‘unusual’ behaviour from a childcare worker, it would certainly be summary disposal, meaning it will be heard at the District Court.
The Judge decided to accept jurisdiction in the case, and put it back to 25 May 2026 for hearing.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
