Dublin childcare worker avoids criminal record after becoming ‘aggressive’ during inspection [Video]

A SOUTH DUBLIN childcare provider who became “aggressive” and obstructed a Tusla inspection has avoided a criminal record after a €2,000 pay-out.

Padraig O’Connor pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to two offences under the 1991 Childcare Act following a prosecution by the child and family agency.

Judge Anthony Halpin noted today that O’Connor complied with an order made three weeks ago to pay the money toward prosecution costs. The judge then applied the Probation of Offenders Act, sparing him a recorded conviction.

The charges were for obstructing or impeding a Tusla inspector and providing a preschool service while not being on the register of prescribed early years service providers.

The prosecution stemmed from an inspection of Little Puddles Childcare, Glandore Park, Lower Mountdown Road, Monkstown, Glenageary, on 28 July, 2022.

Tusla barrister Morgan Shelly, instructed by solicitor Arthur Denneny, said the agency dropped three similar charges subject to a …