A couple have been found guilty of the female genital mutilation of their one-year-old daughter three years ago, in what is the first trial of its kind in this country.

The 37-year-old man and 27-year-old woman, who cannot be named, were also each found guilty of child cruelty.

They were remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 20 December.

The court heard the girl was 21 months old when she was taken to hospital by her parents in September 2016. She was bleeding from the genital area.

The girl's father told doctors that she had fallen on a toy while not wearing a nappy. However, doctors told the court this story did not match the girl's injury.

The court heard the girl was otherwise very well cared for.

Prosecuting counsel Shane Costelloe said it was not the prosecution case that the parents had performed the act of female genital mutilation but that they aided, abetted or procured it and must have been present for its commission.

Both parents denied the charges.

Defence lawyers told the jury that both accused had said that such an act of mutilation was not something they would countenance doing.

They said the family was not dysfunctional and there was no evidence of abuse.

The jury took just under three hours to reach unanimous guilty verdicts in each case.

The court heard the gardaí were objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the charges and the fact that the defendants were a flight risk.

The court heard the woman is an Irish citizen and the man is the subject of a deportation order, which is currently under appeal.

They have young children at home, one of whom is still being breastfed, and had complied with all bail conditions and requirements.

Judge Elma Sheehan said the charges were of the most serious nature.

She said she was fully aware the couple had young children and she said it was a matter for the prosecution to take appropriate steps in that regard.

Judge Sheehan said the mother's position in relation to her youngest child should be brought to the attention of the prison governor and appropriate circumstances should be put in place to allow her to care for her youngest child in whatever way was appropriate.

The judge said it was a matter that should be dealt with before Christmas and set a sentencing date of 20 December.