A young mother yesterday described her panic after seeing a woman open up the back door of her car and pour petrol over her 18-month-old daughter.
Mary Kelly described to a jury at Ennis Circuit Court how Majella McCarthy (26) poured “lots” of petrol on her daughter as she sat in a baby- seat in Ms Kelly’s parked car at Miltown Malbay, Clare, last March.
Ms Kelly, from Cree village, said she saw Ms McCarthy of Gort Road, Ennis, with a petrol can banging on the car window and before she was able to reach the car’s central locking button, Ms McCarthy had the door open.
Pat Whyms, for Ms McCarthy, said his client had a long history of psychiatric problems.
Ms McCarthy denies three counts of assault causing harm at Spanish Point Road, Miltown Malbay, on March 4th last.
The State yesterday concluded its evidence and the trial is expected to conclude today.