Baby injured during assault on mother, court told

A SENIOR garda has told a court that a 10-month-old baby boy sustained “very, very serious injuries” during an assault on the baby’s mother.

At a special sitting of Ennis District Court on Saturday, Insp Tom Kennedy said the baby was hospitalised at Limerick Regional Hospital as a result of the “very, very serious injuries” sustained.

Insp Kennedy said the baby sustained two broken arms, one in three places, and a broken leg.

Insp Kennedy said the baby, born on February 16th, 2010, also had multiple bruising, some of which was very recent and some of it older, while there was also evidence of a burn mark.

Larry Connors, Towncourt, Shannon, was before the court in relation to three assault charges against the baby’s mother and his girlfriend at the time, Samantha Sanderson (18), at Tullyvarraga, Shannon, on three dates in December, the most recent being December 31st.

Providing a background to the case when opposing bail, Insp Kennedy told the court: “The child suffered the injuries at the same time in which Samantha Sanderson was assaulted.”

Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Det Garda David Laing said Mr Connors replied “I didn’t do it” in response to the charges. Insp Kennedy said further charges may be brought against Mr Connors, who is unemployed and not the father of the baby.

Insp Kennedy said he was objecting to bail due to the gravity of the charges before the court and expectant charges, claiming that the accused represented a flight risk.

Caitríona Carmody, solicitor for Mr Connors, said there was no good reason to deny bail as her client vehemently denies the charges, and he has never come to the attention of the gardaí and has no previous convictions.

Insp Kennedy said the Health Service Executive sought an emergency care order in relation to the baby in court on Friday and that is to be revisited in court.

Judge Aeneas McCarthy said he would grant bail, but stated there was was to be no direct or indirect contact by Mr Connors with Ms Sanderson, and that Mr Connors comply with a curfew of 8pm to 8am and sign on twice daily at Shannon Garda station.

He was remanded in custody with consent to bail on his own surety of €500 and an independent surety of €1,500. He will reappear before Shannon District Court on January 13th.