McDs In Court Over Boy Stuck In Seat

McDonald's fast-food restaurant has appeared in court after a four year old got his head stuck in one of their seats.

The boy had his head lodged in the seat in the Dublin fast food chain and was rescued by firemen after becoming very distressed.

Counsel for the boy, Ciaran McKinney, told the Circuit Civil Court the boy's head became lodged in a cut-out space at the back of seating.

He said there was a fireman in the restaurant at the time who called his colleagues when he was unable to release the boy's head.

Counsel said the incident occurred in McDonald's restaurant at Swords Plaza, Swords, Co Dublin, on September 11, last year.

The boy had been with his mother, Mary McKinney, of Hilltown Park, Swords, at the time.

Counsel said Ciaran had suffered swelling to his forehead and had been very shocked and distressed.

He had afterwards suffered sleep disturbance and now resists clothing being put on over his head. He also felt anxious in enclosed spaces, such as lifts.

Counsel for the boy said that Natline Limited, the registered owners of the McDonald's restaurant, had made an offer of €7,000 in damages to the boy, which he was now putting before the court for its approval.

Judge Alison Lindsay said she did not feel the offer was adequate and adjourned the matter for a month.

(DW/JM)