The solicitor acting on behalf of a Cavan childminder charged with causing serious harm to a 10-month-old child earlier this year has indicated the defendant will plead “not guilty” after she was sent forward for trial to the Cavan sittings of the Circuit Court in November.
Sandra Higgins from The Beeches, Cavan Town, is charged with the alleged offence under Section 4 of the non Fatal Offences Against the Person, on March 28th, 2012, at The Beeches, Drumgola Wood.
She appeared before Judge Sean MacBride at Cavan District Court yesterday for the service of a book of evidence, which was served by Gda Linda Harkin and observed by peace officer Patrick Sorohan.
The court heard from Inspector Seamus Boyle that the DPP would accept a written plea, but defence solicitor Martin Cosgrave indicated his client would be pleading not guilty.
Appearing in court alongside her husband, Ms Higgins spoke only once throughout her 10-minute court appearance, and only to confirm that she understood the standard cautions given by the judge.
Holiday
Bail conditions were amended to allow her to sign on once every two weeks at Cavan Garda Station, while an application was made and granted to allow the defendant leave the jurisdiction for one week in August for a family holiday.
Bail conditions that she have no contact with the injured party, the injured party’s family or any state witnesses remain in place.
Judge MacBride certified for legal aid to cover the appointment of one senior and one junior counsel to defend Ms Higgins.
Ms Higgins was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Cavan Circuit Court on November 26th next.