Child abduction case deferred until January

The case of a woman accused of aiding the abduction of six-year-old Deirdre Crowley has been adjourned until January.

The case of a woman accused of aiding the abduction of six-year-old Deirdre Crowley has been adjourned until January.

Ms Regina Nelligan, 33, Carriganagroghera, Fermoy, Co Cork is charged with removing the child from the lawful control of her mother, Ms Christine O'Sullivan, between December 3rd, 1999 and August 31st, 2001.

Clonmel Circuit Court heard yesterday that because of the volume of documents that the defence will have to go through to prepare their client's case, they would be unable to proceed at present.

Barrister for Ms Nelligan, Mr Niall Doorin SC, said that considerable disclosure had been made by the State. "We have been given a list of 30 documents and a further list given by the Director of Public Prosecutions of 950. Hopefully, we will not have to examine all of these in detail."

READ MORE

Mr Doorin told the court his client was receiving psychiatric treatment that was "up to date and ongoing" and he was awaiting the completion of psychiatric reports.

State barrister, Mr Johnny Walsh BL, highlighted the work that has gone into preparing the case and the work it would take for the defence to go through the documents.

Judge Olive Buttimer was also told that the case could take anything from a week to a fortnight and there were seven volumes of Garda files alone.

The case was adjourned until January 28th, 2003 and Ms Nelligan was remanded on continuing bail under the terms and conditions set down during her district court appearances.

Deirdre Crowley was killed by her father Christopher in Clonmel, Co Tipperary on August 30th, 2001 with Mr Crowley taking his own life on the same day.