A father who left his 15-month-old baby on a staircase in a train station "suffered from forgetfulness", a court heard yesterday.
Mark Brennan (33), Champion's Avenue, Dublin, pleaded guilty to abandonment of his daughter at Tara Street Dart station on August 4th, 2005.
Dublin District Court heard the child was found in a pram on a stairwell in the station just before evening rush-hour by passers-by.
Sgt Emmet Treacey said Brennan had left his home just after lunch and at about 3.35pm, he went to the station where he left the child asleep in the pram. Five minutes later, staff were alerted and the child was brought to Pearse Street Garda station where she was put into the care of social services.
Despite the incident, he still has free access to the child, although it must be with the consent of the mother. The couple also have another child.
Brennan had several previous convictions for theft and handling stolen goods, including one for which he was given three years' imprisonment.
Defending counsel Tom Pearse said Brennan had a drug problem at the time but has since been stabilised on a methadone programme.
Mr Pearse blamed forgetfulness for Brennan's failure to turn up in court previously in relation to this charge and for failing to turn up in another court on Tuesday on a separate charge.
He was awaiting sentence on the other matters after Judge William Early ordered a probation report.
Brennan was remanded on continuing bail on the abandonment charge for sentencing on all matters by Judge Early.