A two-year-old child was found unaccompanied on the ledge of a roof of a three-storey apartment building in Limerick City, covered in faeces and non-verbal, according to evidence presented at Limerick District Court. The toddler’s father, a man in his 40s who cannot be identified due to reporting restrictions under the Children’s Act, appeared in court charged with one count of child cruelty.
Garda Response and Recovery at Limerick City Apartment Complex
Sergeant Jimmy Dillane of Roxboro Road Garda Station told the court that gardaí responded to a call at approximately 2 pm on 8 September 2023. A witness reported seeing the young child alone on a ledge of the three-storey building. Before gardaí arrived, neighbours recovered the toddler from the roof. Sergeant Dillane stated that the child was covered in faeces and non-verbal at the time of the rescue. An ambulance transported the toddler from the scene to University Hospital Limerick for a medical assessment.
When gardaí went to the family’s apartment after the rescue, the child’s parents did not come forward initially. Sergeant Dillane alleged that the father told officers the child was asleep with his partner. Both parents appeared to be under the influence of intoxicants when gardaí called to their apartment.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions for the Accused Father
Judge Patricia Harney refused jurisdiction in the case and remanded the father in custody with consent to bail. His release is subject to a personal bond of €100 and strict conditions, including maintaining good behaviour, residing at a garda-approved address, signing on three days a week at a Limerick garda station, having no contact with any witnesses, and remaining alcohol and drug free.
The child’s mother faces a co-accused charge of child cruelty and appeared before Limerick District Court earlier in the month. She is also protected by court-ordered reporting restrictions to safeguard the child’s anonymity. During her charge hearing, gardaí testified that officers found the apartment littered with rubbish, mould, and faeces.
Both accused individuals remain remanded on bail to appear before Limerick District Court in December to await further directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
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