Daycare worker charged in disturbing creche assault case in Dublin

DUBLIN, Ireland - A daycare worker has been charged with a "sickening" attack on a toddler who sustained facial injuries after being "slammed" face down into Lego bricks in a creche.

The accused, who is in his twenties, appeared before Judge Michael Ramsey at Dublin District Court on Monday, and bail was set at €1,100.

Last week, he was accused of assaulting the 19-month-old boy and causing him pain.

A bail court heard that the child's injuries were initially assumed to be the result of an accident. Still, gardai were notified after the creche in Leinster conducted an internal inquiry.

Garda Padraig Murphy informed Judge Ramsey that the accused, who has yet to make a plea, was arrested on Saturday and held for questioning.

The garda opposed bail because they considered the childcare worker from another EU country a flight risk.

Garda Murphy claimed that the infant was "grabbed by the back of the head as he walked by" and that the accused "slammed his head to the ground with great force."

When the boy landed on upturned Lego blocks, he sustained face injuries such as marks, swelling, and a cut, as well as a "square mark on his cheek."

The accused is not being named to protect the youngster's identity.

Garda Murphy stated, "It was initially described as a fall," and the baby was taken to his GP. However, "through an internal investigation, it came to light," and gardai were notified a day later.

The officer said gardai received the video evidence, adding, "I'd describe it as sickening."

According to reports, the individual identified himself in the camera footage and "made admissions" during an interview.

When asked if an explanation was given, the garda responded that the accused claimed: "He was frustrated on the day."

The court heard that the accused was anticipated to lose his job, and the garda believed the childcare worker would be unable to sustain himself.

Judge Ramsey set bail, and the accused was released after depositing €1,100 cash.

The man surrendered his passport and was told to appear again in December to receive the DPP's instructions.