Doctor to stand trial for murder of her daughter

A GP is to stand trial for the murder of her young daughter. Dr Bernadette Scully (57), Emyvale, Bachelor's Walk, Tullamore, Co Offaly, has been sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court.

Dr Scully faces a charge of murdering 11-year-old Emily Barut at their family home on September 15th, 2012. She appeared at a remand hearing of Tullamore District Court on Wednesday, accompanied by a small number of others.

Garda Stacy O’Brien gave evidence of earlier serving the book of evidence in the case on Dr Scully.

Garda Insp John Lawless applied to Judge Catherine Staines to have her returned for trial to the present sittings of the Central Criminal Court. The judge noted that High Court bail, which had previously been granted, did not cover the return for trial and she granted new bail on Dr Scully's own surety of €100, subject to the existing bail conditions.

Judge Staines also continued legal aid for her. The court had previously been advised that Dr Scully was almost in negative equity and could not afford to pay for her legal defence.

Dr Scully sat in the body of the court for most of the hearing. She stood when her case was heard and left the court after signing the new bail bond, accompanied by her small group.