A Cork woman charged with the attempted abduction of a newborn baby boy at Erinville hospital in the city has been remanded in custody following an appearance at the District Court.
Ms Marie Crean (36), Western Road, Cork, was charged with intentionally taking a young baby from the lawful control of his mother on the evening of September 24th.
Garda Declan O'Brien told the court he arrested Ms Crean at her home in the city on Tuesday evening at 11.35 p.m. He told the court he believed the defendant would commit a similar crime if she was granted bail in the case.
"I don't believe she will turn up in court if granted bail. Also in the recent past she has been sighted by security staff at the Erinville hospital when she has no legitimate reasons for visiting the hospital at those times.
"Both security guards recognised the woman from being at the hospital on numerous occasions."
Garda O'Brien said Ms Crean was arrested on July 27th on the grounds of Erinville hospital in relation to a public order offence.
Sgt Declan O'Sullivan testified that having spoken to Ms Crean at length, he was of the opinion that she was in urgent need of psychiatric help.
"The incident which is before the court was potentially very serious. It could have had a possibly tragic outcome to it. She has expressed to me a desire to seek help. She has expressed deeply regret at what has happened. She appears to be deeply traumatised."
Insp Michael Finn objected to bail on the grounds that the alleged offence was extremely serious.
Judge Uinsionn MacGruairc remanded her in custody to Cork prison until her next court appearance on October 2nd. He directed that she receive medical assistance and psychiatric care during her time in custody.
Judge MacGruairc also requested that Ms Crean be examined by a psychiatrist and that this report be made available to him.