Woman pleads guilty to attempted child abduction in south Dublin

A WOMAN has pleaded guilty to the attempted abduction of a toddler from a child care facility.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, tried to take the two-year-old child from an early years school in south county Dublin on September 22 last.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the woman has a diagnosis of schizophrenia and her mental capacity is also affected by her difficulties with poly-substance abuse. She had previously received treatment at the Central Mental Hospital and the court heard her condition has improved dramatically.

Judge Martin Nolan released the woman on bail on strict conditions including that she stay away from crèches, schools and anywhere children are gathered.

He set a date for her sentence next Tuesday.

Maurice Coffey BL, prosecuting, said the State were objecting to her release on bail as there was a concern of a risk that the woman may commit more offences while on bail.

Other conditions attached to her bail are that she comply with a curfew between 10pm and 7am and sign on daily at a Garda station. She must also live at her mother’s home in south Dublin, stay sober and keep the peace.

Declan Brennan