Mother admits neglect of baby in Caithness after police find her 'intoxicated' in charge of child

Police who visited a house in the county found a baby in a cot and his mother in a drink and drug state.

Officers were concerned for the mother's welfare and took her to hospital.

The seven-month-old was taken into care, Wick Sheriff Court was told on Monday.

The mother, who is 25 and can't be named for legal reasons, was not present.

She admitted a reduced charge through a solicitor of having wilfully neglected the infant in a manner that could cause the child unnecessary suffering by allowing them to wear multiple layers of clothing, putting them at risk of overheating.

Sheriff Andrew Berry was told that on June 25, police received a report that the infant was in the care of an adult who appeared to be "heavily intoxicated".

Fiscal David Barclay said: "Officers considered that the infant was at risk of overheating when they called at her home."

He went on to say that another 'significant' consideration was their concern about the accused's state and she was taken to hospital.

Mr Barclay continued: "The social work department was made aware of the situation and the child was taken from the accused.

"There is an ongoing involvement with the department and the accused now has some level of contact with her baby, although I am not entirely certain about what stage this has reached."

The fiscal added that the social workers were "actively involved" to ensure the future welfare of the child and wellbeing of the family unit.

Solicitor George Mathers said that the baby was taken into foster care and the accused was currently having supervised contact with them.

The accused was said to be receiving help from alcohol and drug and mental health counsellors.

Mr Mathers said that the mother had been drinking and had been given some valium, and continued: "From that moment on, she was away in a dream. She is ashamed at having got herself into such a state and is keen to have her child back as soon as possible."

Mr Mathers stressed that there was no question of the accused having done anything deliberately to her baby.

Sheriff Andrew Berry called for a background report which he will consider before sentencing the mother on September 6.

She is required to appear personally.