Tyrone woman denies child cruelty charges

A TYRONE woman is to stand trial in relation to alleged child cruelty spanning an eight-year period.

The accused, who is aged in her 40s, but cannot be named to protect the identities of the two child complainants, is charged with two counts each of wilfully assaulting and ill-treating both children in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary suffering or injury to health.

Offending is alleged to have occurred on various dates between January 2013 and August 2021, although no details surrounding the circumstances were disclosed during the short hearing.

Standing in the dock of Dungannon Crown Court the accused spoke only to confirm her identity and to enter not guilty pleas to each of the four charges against her in turn.

Defence counsel informed the court further legal consultations and discussions are to take place in coming weeks and the trial is likely to last in the region of three days.

Judge Fiona Bagnall remanded the accused on £250 bail and ordered her to appear for trial on May 28.

The accused is also banned from contacting the complainants and all witnesses in the case.