Updated 6pm
A JURY HAS been sworn in for the second retrial of a Cavan child-minder accused of causing serious harm to a baby.
Sandra Higgins (36), of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, Co Cavan denies a charge at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby at her home on 28 March 2012 .
This morning Judge Cormac Quinn told a jury panel that the case had gone to trial on two other occasions. He said these trials were accompanied by media coverage.
He told the jurors that in order to serve as a jury for this trial it was crucial that they felt they would not be affected by anything they had seen or heard in the media.
Judge Quinn said that it is alleged that the defendant assaulted the ten month baby. He said that it will be alleged that on 28 March, 2012 the baby presented at hospital with non-accidental injuries.
He told the jurors they could not and should not discuss the case with anybody outside the jury.
The court heard that the trial is expected to hear evidence from a number of civilian and garda witnesses from Co Cavan. The defence may also call an paediatrician from Wales to give evidence.
A jury of six men and six women were subsequently empanelled but sent home in the afternoon when a legal issue arose. The jury is due to return tomorrow.
The court heard the trial is expected to last two weeks before Judge Quinn.
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