Teacher From Naas Caught On CCTV Assaulting Autistic Children Avoids Jail

Wednesday, 14 May 2025 22:47

By Martin Osborne

Journalist Alan Sherry approaches Tanya Shortt

Some of the children were non-verbal or barely verbal at the time, according to the publication.

CCTV footage at a creche captured the moments a Naas woman assaulted autistic children.

Tanya Shortt (36), from Esmondale, Kilcullen Road, Naas, was a former preschool teacher at Play and Language Support (PALS) in Finglas, Dublin.

She was convicted last month of assaulting two autistic children under her care in January 2023.

CCTV footage, according to the Sunday World, showed her grabbing a child aggressively and dragging him through a door, pinching the child - and placing her hand over his nose and mouth.

Some of the children were non-verbal or barely verbal at the time, according to the publication.

One parent told journalist Alan Sherry: "To see that face, that little face and to see how scared he was when she pulled him, my God. I am going to blame myself for the rest of my life.”

Shortt received two two-month suspended sentences at Blanchardstown District Court and avoided jail.

She was suspended from her job immediately in January 2023 after staff reported concerns.

CCTV was reviewed, authorities (gardaí, Tusla, Teaching Council) were notified, and parents were informed.

Six parents were called in to the creche to view CCTV footage.

Some footage could not be used in court because of a daylight savings timestamp error.

Shortt sent a letter of apology before sentencing, admitting to failings and stating she would never work with children again.

Parents rejected the apology, calling it insincere.

The preschool expressed regret, stating they acted fast once alerted and remain committed to child protection.