Woman pleads guilty at Cork court to being cruel to two girls

A 41-year-old woman facing the prospect of trial by judge and jury for cruelty to children has pleaded guilty to being cruel to two girls.

The woman was arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where she pleaded guilty to two charges on the indictment against her.

The first count relates to a period between January 2018 and February 2022 — a charge of cruelty to a child contrary to the Children’s Act whereby she ill-treated a child in her care in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to her health or seriously to affect her wellbeing.

The wording of the second charge is similar but refers to another girl between the period from November 2021 to February 22.

In order to protect the identity of the victims, the defendant cannot be identified in coverage of the case. 

No details of the case were outlined at the arraignment.

Defence senior counsel Elizabeth O’Connell asked for a probation report and a report from Coolmine treatment centre to be directed in relation to the accused in advance of sentencing.

Judge Sinead Behan acceded to this application. Two victim impact reports are to be prepared.

Sentencing was adjourned until February 24.