Gardaí have apologised to Joanne Hayes for their treatment of her in the Kerry Babies case.
They’ve launched a fresh appeal for information into the murder of ‘Baby John’ and say the answers lie in South Kerry.
Baby John was just five days old when he was found stabbed to death on White Strand in April 1984.
25-year-old Joanne Hayes was arrested and confessed to the baby’s murder, but later withdrew it.
The single woman told gardaí she had given birth to a different baby and placed the baby’s body in a drain.
Gardaí have now confirmed a viable DNA profile has conclusively stated Joanne Hayes is not Baby John’s mother.
Superintendent Flor Murphy offered this apology:
WATCH: Over 30 years later, here is the full apology from gardai for wrongfully arresting Joanne Hayes for Baby John’s murder and all the stress she was put through. pic.twitter.com/4At16uA5Jj
— Stephanie Grogan (@StephGrogan3) January 16, 2018
Gardai now wants to find out who Baby John was and who his parents are.
They say that, more than 30 years later, Ireland is a different place which isn’t so heavily influenced by religion.
They are appealing for anyone with information into Baby John’s case to come forward, saying he deserves the truth.
Anyone with information can contact gardaí in Caherciveen on 066 9473610 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
Baby John's grave. Image: Stephanie Grogan
