A MOTHER OF a three-year-old boy who walked to a shop alone late at night and told staff that he was hungry only reported him missing 35 minutes after he left home, a court has heard. 

A judge at Cork District Court declined to accept jurisdiction in the case after gardaí clarified the length of time it took for the mother to call gardaí about the fact that her son was missing.

Judge Mary Dorgan previously heard evidence from Sgt John Kelleher who said that the young child walked to a grocery shop at 9.40pm on 21 June 2024.

Sgt Kelleher said that the youngster “entered the shop alone” and “complained to the shopkeeper that he was hungry.”

The shop owner contacted gardaí who immediately went to the assistance of the child. Tusla were notified and care arrangements were made for the youngster. He now lives with his father.

Sgt Kelleher told an in camera hearing last Friday that the 39-year-old mother of the child had called her local garda station on the evening that her son left the house. She informed them that the child was missing. 

The officer who took the call felt that the woman was under the influence of alcohol.  When officers arrived at the property they determined that the woman was intoxicated.

At the first hearing of the case last week the mother of the child spoke from the body of the court on a number of occasions. At one stage she stated : “He (the boy) has ADHD. He was looking for sweets. “

Judge Dorgan said that it was a “serious matter” for a “three-year-old to be out loose around the city at twenty to ten at night.”

The case was adjourned until today. Sgt Gearóid Davis said that the child was out of his home for thirty five minutes before gardai were contacted by the woman.

Judge Dorgan opted not to accept jurisdiction in the case having established this information. 

The case will be referred back to the DPP for directions. The woman was remanded on bail to appear before Cork District Court for DPP directions on December 4th next.

The woman was charged with wilfully neglecting the boy in a manner likely to cause an unnecessary effect on his wellbeing, contrary to the Children’s Act.