Man and woman in Midlands accused of cruelty and exploitation of children

A man and woman appeared before Portlaosie District Court accused of child cruelty.

The man (43) and woman (30) who both have addresses in Laois cannot be named due to reporting restrictions. 

The woman faces four counts of  cruelty to children and two counts of exploitation of children  in Laois on September 23, 2024. She is further charged with robbery at a location in Laois on the same date and two further counts of Section 2 assault on children. 

The man faces four counts of child cruelty and one count of robbery on September 23, 2024 along with a charge of criminal damage in Laois on September 24, 2024. 

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Detective Garda Conor Egan said the DPP had directed that the child cruelty allegations be dealt with in the circuit court. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted the Section 2 assaults were summary and could be heard in the District Court. He adjourned them to a date in September and asked how long a book of evidence would take for the circuit court allegations. 

Detective Egan said the book of evidence would be ready in six weeks time. 

Judge Cody adjourned the case back to March 6 for service of a book of evidence. He granted legal aid and remanded the man and woman on bail.