A Naas man smothered his five-week-old son leaving the child with a fractured skull and severe brain damage, Naas Circuit Court heard yesterday.
Conal De Monge (30), formerly of Aylmer Park, Naas, placed his hand over his son Cameron's nose and mouth for "several minutes" to stop him crying on August 18th, 2000. He also admitted rapping his knuckles against the back of the child's head and carrying him about by one arm, though experts say it is the smothering that caused the 85 per cent brain damage.
De Monge pleaded guilty to recklessly causing severe harm to his son and to a lesser charge of assault causing harm on August 5th, when he had pinched the baby's bottom causing bruising. Doctors say Cameron's brain has not grown since the injury and he will be left with severe cerebral palsy as a result of the abuse. De Monge now lives with his family at Monalee Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin, and no longer has any contact with his wife and children.
The case was adjourned for sentencing this morning.