Case No. 0344Possession of controlled drugs · Co. Westmeath · 25 Oct 2025
Woman charged with possession of cocaine after two-year-old girl taken to hospital at house party in Westmeath
A two-year-old girl was taken to hospital in critical condition after allegedly consuming cocaine at a house party in Fordrum, Co Westmeath, in late October 2025. Orla Scully, 52, of Fordrum, Co Westmeath, was charged with possession of cocaine on her premises under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. She appeared at Athlone District Court in September 2026, where the judge accepted jurisdiction on a summary basis and remanded her on bail to return on 28 October. The child made a full recovery five days after being hospitalised and now lives with her grandmother.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court3 Sep
- Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A two-year-old girl allegedly consumed cocaine at a house party, became ill, and was taken to the Primary Treatment Centre in Athlone, then Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe, and then transferred to Temple Street Hospital in critical condition.
- Where
- The party took place at a house in Fordrum, Co Westmeath.
- When
- The party took place between 24 and 28 October 2025.
- Investigation
- Phones were seized and text messages and CCTV at the house indicated that cocaine was served and stored at the party.
- Charges
- Orla Scully, 52, of Fordrum, Co Westmeath, was charged with possession of cocaine on her premises under section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
- In court
- Scully appeared before Judge John Brennan at Athlone District Court in September 2026, where the DPP recommended the case be dealt with on a summary basis.
- Judge Brennan initially considered not accepting jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the circumstances but decided to accept jurisdiction on a summary basis.
- Sentence
- Scully was remanded on bail to appear in court on 28 October for mention, plea or date.
- Other details
- Two other people are before the Circuit Court in relation to the incident.
- The child made a full recovery five days after being hospitalised and currently resides with her grandmother.
15 statements extracted from the articles
- whatA two-year-old girl was taken to hospital after allegedly consuming cocaine at a house party in the midlands last year (irishtimes.com)
- whatDrugs including cocaine were allegedly stored and consumed at the party (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe infant consumed cocaine at the party, became ill, and was taken to the Primary Treatment Centre in Athlone and then to Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe child was transferred to Temple Street Hospital in an ambulance in critical condition (irishtimes.com)
- whatFive days later the child made a full recovery and currently resides with her grandmother (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe alleged incident was reported to the Garda station in Ballinasloe (irishtimes.com)
- investigationPhones were seized which indicated that cocaine was served and stored at the party (irishtimes.com)
- investigationCCTV at the house shows the presence of the people concerned including Scully at the time of the party (irishtimes.com)
- investigationText messages indicated that drug use was going on at the party (irishtimes.com)
- chargeScully was accused of possession of cocaine on her premises under section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (irishtimes.com)
- courtOrla Scully, 52, of Kilgarven, the Glebe, Fordrum, Co Westmeath, appeared before Judge John Brennan at Athlone District Court (irishtimes.com)
- courtTwo others are before the Circuit Court in relation to the alleged incident (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Brennan initially considered not accepting jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the circumstances but decided to accept jurisdiction on a summary basis (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe DPP recommended the case be dealt with on a summary basis (irishtimes.com)
- courtScully was remanded on bail to appear in court on 28 October for mention, plea or date (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 3 Sep2026Girl (2) taken to hospital after allegedly consuming cocaine at party, court hears
First court appearance; Scully remanded on bail to appear 28 October for mention, plea or date. Two others are also before the Circuit Court in relation to the incident. DPP recommended summary basis.
accused, Orla Scully, 52, female, named, irish (judged from name)Orla Scullyvictim, 2, female