Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 8074Child cruelty · Co. Limerick

Toddler found on roof of Limerick apartment building; mother charged with child cruelty

In autumn 2023 a toddler boy under three climbed onto the roof of a multi-storey apartment building in Limerick and was rescued by neighbours. Gardaí received a report at about 2pm that a child was on the roof, and the boy was taken to University Hospital Limerick, where no physical injuries were noted. His mother has been charged with child cruelty, an allegation she has not been convicted of. On 10 September 2026 Limerick District Court refused jurisdiction and remanded her on bail; the case will likely proceed to the Circuit Court, and she is next due before Limerick District Court in December.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court10 Sep
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • A toddler boy under three years old climbed onto the roof of a multi-storey apartment building and was rescued by neighbours.
  • The toddler was found to be covered in faeces and was non-verbal.
Where
The incident took place at a multi-storey apartment building in Limerick.
When
The incident took place in autumn 2023, at about 2pm.
Investigation
Gardaí received a report that a child was on the roof of a multi-storey apartment building.
Other details
  • The toddler was taken to University Hospital Limerick, where no physical injuries were noted.
  • The family's apartment was covered in rubbish, mould and faeces.
  • The mother and her co-accused were intoxicated at the time.
Charges
The mother is charged with child cruelty, an allegation.
In court
  • On 10 September 2026 Judge Patricia Harney heard at Limerick District Court that the court refused jurisdiction and remanded the mother on bail.
  • The matter will likely proceed to the Circuit Court.
  • The mother will next appear before Limerick District Court in December.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA toddler climbed onto the roof of a multi-storey apartment building and was rescued by neighbours. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whatThe toddler was found to be covered in faeces and non-verbal. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whatThe toddler was taken to University Hospital Limerick and no physical injuries were noted. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whenThe incident took place in autumn 2023. (limerickleader.ie)
  • investigationGardaí received a report that a child was on the roof of a multi-storey apartment building. (limerickleader.ie)
  • chargeThe mother is charged with child cruelty. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe District Court refused jurisdiction and remanded the mother on bail. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe matter will likely proceed at the Circuit Court. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe mother will next appear before Limerick District Court in December. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe family's apartment was covered in rubbish, mould and faeces. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe mother and her co-accused were intoxicated at the time. (limerickleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 10 Sep2026
    In courtlimerickleader.ie, first report
    Toddler found on roof of building was covered in faeces, Limerick court hears

    Reports the District Court hearing: the mother is charged with child cruelty, the District Court refused jurisdiction and she was remanded on bail, and the case will likely go to the Circuit Court with a further District Court date in December. Adds details of the toddler's condition and the state of the apartment.

    accused, femaleaccusedvictim, under three, male