A couple has appeared in court charged in connection with an alleged assault on a nine-year-old girl at a house in north county Dublin last month. 

The court heard that, given the nature of the proceedings, there are reporting restrictions on the case and the couple cannot be named.

The girl was taken to hospital after emergency services were called by Gardaí to the house in Dublin on the night of July 2nd.

She was found with serious injuries and still remains in hospital today.

On Wednesday, a man and a woman were arrested in connection with an assault.

Today, a 35-year-old woman appeared in court, where she was charged with two counts of child cruelty.

The stay-at-home mother remained silent throughout the hearing but was visibly upset throughout.

The court heard the woman has had frequent access to her other children who are now in care.

She was granted a psychiatric examination by Judge Bernadette Owens and has been remanded in custody until August 14th, when she will appear in court again.

A 37-year-old man was charged with one count of child cruelty and has also been remanded in custody until next Wednesday.

Reporting from Sharon Lynch at the Central Criminal Court