Sex Shock Allegation Over Toddler Murder

The Fermanagh toddler who died from severe injuries in hospital on Friday may have also been sexually assaulted, writes Carla Liébana.

Barry Michael McCarney, 30, an unemployed man from Sally's Wood, Irvinestown has today been charged over the death of Enniskillen child, Millie Martin.

He is the partner of Millie's mother and has today denied in Omagh Magistrates Court having anything to do with the little girl's death.

The baby died on Friday in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast after being hurt in her house in Co Fermanagh the day before.

She suffered severe injuries, possibly including her back being broken and medical staff at the Erne hospital - where she was taken before being transferred to Belfast - alleged there was evidence that Mille had also been sexually assaulted.

A police officer explained that Millie's mother, Rachel Martin, was not in the house when the child was injured and when she came back 20 minutes later, her partner had taken Millie to the hospital in a "lifeless condition".

The night before, McCarney had also been left to look after Millie while her mother went out. When she returned, the house appeared closed-up and nobody answered her calls.

The court heard that, under police interview, the accused first said he was at the toilet at the time, but then stated he had been out collecting sticks for the fire instead.

Next morning, Rachel noted Millie was lethargic and said that while McCarney had left for work, he then returned because he said that he felt sick.

According to the court account of events, his colleagues said he had appeared to be in an agitated state when he was at work.

Mr McCarney's defence solicitor stated there is no scientific evidence as to when the injuries that killed Millie were inflicted, but PSNI Detective Inspector Caldwell related that more tests will be carried out to establish these details.

Last night it emerged that social services had been in touch with Millie's mother within the last year.

For this reason, the Western Health and Social Care Trust will review the case to ensure their contacts with the family were appropriate, revising files linked with the case.

Floral tributes, cuddly toys and messages have been send to Millie's house but the family have asked for privacy as they grieve as well as having requested that future donations - instead of flowers - go to the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children.

Millie's body has been released to the family and it will be at her grandparents' home until her funeral, which will take place this week.

See: Baby's Death Leaves 'Heartbreak' Behind

(CL/BMcc)