A toddler was discovered covered in faeces on the ledge of a three-storey flat's roof, a court heard on Monday. The child's father, a man in his 40s, faced Limerick District Court charged with one count of child cruelty. Due to a court order, the man cannot be named to protect the identity of the child, who is legally entitled to anonymity under the Children's Act.
Discovery and response
Sgt Jimmy Dillane from Roxboro Road Garda station informed the court that at approximately 2pm on September 8, 2023, officers responded to a report of a lone child on a roof at a flat complex in Limerick City. A witness had reported to the gardaí that the child was unaccompanied and on a ledge of the three-storey building.
When neighbours found the child before the arrival of the gardaí, the toddler was "covered in faeces and non-verbal", Dillane told the court. An ambulance transported the child from the scene to University Hospital Limerick for a medical examination.
Court proceedings
Dillane alleged that the child's parents did not come forward at the time, and when officers visited their flat, the man claimed the child was asleep with his partner. Both parents appeared to be under the influence of intoxicants when the gardaí visited their flat, Dillane informed the court.
Judge Patricia Harney declined jurisdiction and remanded the man in custody with consent to bail on his own bond of €100, provided he behaves appropriately. He was also obliged to live at an address approved by the police, sign on three days a week at a Limerick police station, avoid any contact with witnesses in the case, and stay free of alcohol and drugs.
Mother's case and next steps
The child's mother, who is also implicated in the case and charged with child cruelty, made an appearance before Limerick District Court earlier this month. The woman is also under reporting restrictions and cannot be named due to a court order designed to protect the identity of the child.
Police informed the woman's charge hearing that when they visited the flat, they discovered it was strewn with rubbish, mould and faeces. Both defendants were released on bail to reappear before Limerick District Court in December for further instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
