Bernadette Scully, the GP from Tullamore, Co Offaly, who was on trial for the manslaughter of her 11-yr-old daughter, Emily Barut by an act of gross negligence on 15 September 2012, has been found not guilty.
The prosecution said she gave the 11-year-old toxic amounts of the sedative chloral hydrate.
After just over four hours of deliberation the jury found her not guilty.
Ms Scully was calm when she heard the verdict but her family cried and hugged her as she left the court.
A statement released to the media states the doctor is “humbled by the kindness and support” offered to her over the past four years and during the trial.
“As I said in my evidence Emily was my little bird with a broken wing whom I loved, cared for and protected.
“Our struggle is mirrored in the lives of so many people in similar situations in Ireland. Like me, very many parents and carers of children who are disabled, struggle on a daily basis to get access to services and support systems which are very often simply not there.
“I respect the need to investigate Emily’s death but the past four years have been a living hell for me and my family. I have not only lost my beloved Emily but was unable to attend her funeral.
“I haven’t yet had the opportunity to properly grieve for her or celebrate her precious life,” the statement read.”
