The accusation was made by a defendant at Naas District Court on Thursday, September 19 last.

Kildare court: Woman claims she suffered miscarriage following assault by prison officers

IN-CAMERA

by · Leinster Leader

A woman told a Naas District Court judge that she allegedly suffered a miscarriage after being assaulted by prison officers.

The allegation was heard during an in-camera (in private) contested bail application on Thursday, September 19 last.

The woman, who is from County Kildare, has been accused of domestic violence offences against one of her parents.

Her defending solicitor also told the judge that she has a history of addiction-related issues.

The woman also claimed that the parent in question has been physically abusive towards her.

While sitting in the dock, the woman became emotional as she told Judge Zaidan: "I had a miscarriage in prison, it was caused by the officers."

"I was hit in the head and [also] I lost the baby... I'm not lying," she added.

Commenting on the case, Judge Zaidan said: "She shouldn't be in a prison, she should be in a medical wing... but as soon as she's out, she falls off the wagon."

A garda who was sworn in replied: "She'll be back tomorrow, it's a vicious cycle."

The woman pleaded with the judge: "Please give me a chance."

When the judge decided to grant her strict bail, she interjected: "The garda is throwing me looks, he wants me to go to jail, they have it out for me."

"Do you fancy my [parent]?" the woman added.

As part of the woman's bail conditions, she must refrain from having any direct or indirect contact with her parent.

The judge also gave gardaí to re-enter the case at short notice.

He warned her solicitor: "If I get a call over the weekend saying that she's broken her bail, I won't take too kindly to it."

The solicitor also said that he would make enquiries about the miscarriage allegation.

The judge adjourned the case to a date in October for hearing.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116123 or jo@samaritans.org) or you can visit pieta.ie (24/7 Free Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).