French authorities are awaiting the results of DNA tests to know whether the Irish teacher accused of failing to intervene to prevent the death of his companion's newborn baby boy last week was the child's father. The results are expected to take several weeks.
"We will know for certain whether or not he is the father, but in my opinion it doesn't fundamentally change the case," the prosecutor, Mr Raymond Doumas, said.
The 21-year-old woman who gave birth to the infant in a public toilet for the handicapped in the hotel where the couple were staying on the Côte d'Azur has not yet been moved from hospital in Cannes to a prison ward in Nice, out of concern for her health. She was formally placed under investigation on February 15th on suspicion of killing the child.
Her parents have visited her in hospital, where she is under police guard. She and her partner have hired separate lawyers.
Ms Delphine Girard, a lawyer representing the 36-year-old male school teacher, said her associate met his client's brother for the first time yesterday and that both men hope to visit the detained Irishman in Grasse prison today. Neither the man's family nor his counsel would make any statements until the young woman has been questioned, she added.
Ms Girard said she realised the tragedy had particular resonance in Ireland because of the abortion referendum.
It was possible the baby was born living and viable, as shown by forensic tests, Ms Girard said, "but that doesn't necessarily mean that she killed him."
Mr Doumas said suspects were rarely released on bail in France. "I don't know what his chances would be," he said, referring to the Irishman, who has been held in Grasse prison since February 14th. "I would certainly oppose it. We believe there is no guarantee he would show up when summoned. He might take refuge in his country."
In France, requests for release on bail are made in writing by the suspect's lawyer, and answered in writing by the judge. If the response is negative, the accused person may then appeal to have the request heard in court.
