This article contains some distressing details.
The parents of a girl who underwent female genital mutilation at their home in Dublin three years ago will be sentenced next month.
The couple, who can't be named to protect the girl’s identity, lied about what happened to her when she was brought to hospital.
On Sept 16th 2016, the girl’s father brought his 21 month old daughter to a Dublin hospital. The girl was bleeding heavily and was rushed into surgery. The doctor who carried out the operation became suspicious of what caused the injury after the man told him she’d fallen on a toy.
Gardaí were called and the toy was seized from the couple’s home. Forensic experts found no evidence to support his claim.
The couple weren't accused of carrying out the act, but of allowing it to happen. They were both also convicted of child cruelty. The court heard Female Genital Mutilation is nothing to do with religious beliefs and it was described as a “cultural phenomenon”.
A report found the type of mutilation she suffered won't affect the girl physically but may impact her emotionally when she gets older. The man’s barrister described his client as a “good, loving and caring father” and said this act stands in stark contrast to everything else.
Both were further remanded in custody today and will be sentenced on January 27th.
