Woman accused of child cruelty and false imprisonment in Laois

A woman appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of child cruelty and false imprisonment. 

The woman (43), who has a Laois address, is accused of seven counts of false imprisonment on dates between March 12, 2023 and July 11, 2023. She is charged with one count of cruelty to children on dates between September 1, 2021 and March 12, 2023. The woman was also accused of another count of child cruelty between September 1 and 23, 2021. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the woman was accompanied to the court by her mother. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said there was an alleged co-accused in this and they are out of the jurisdiction. 

“We are trying to find them,” he said. 

Sgt Kirby told Judge Susan Fay that he had been given directions that the case couldn’t proceed against the accused in isolation. He acknowledged this wasn’t a fault of the accused and asked that the case be listed again next year. 

Noting there were reporting restrictions in the case, Ms Fitzpatrick said she was “diametrically” opposed to the requested adjournment. She said the allegations date back to March 2023 and some are from 2021. 

“It is not her fault the other person can’t be located,” she said. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said she did not believe that the situation was fair. “It is taking quite a toll on her mental health,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. She wanted to know if the matter could proceed in isolation. 

“If he can’t be located I will have to go back to my legal authority and ask their advice,” said Sgt Kirby. 

Judge Susan Fay said she would give a date in the new year and mark the case peremptory against the State. She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on March 16.