Drunk mum found face down in pool jailed for neglect

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A drunken mum was found passed out in a paddling pool surrounded by tipsy teenagers, an empty whiskey bottle and her own crying two-year-old.

The identity of the 35-year-old cannot be revealed because of a court order to protect the toddler, who is now in care.

But we can reveal the woman had previously avoided prison for charges of child neglect, receiving a suspended sentence.

At the time the child was placed in foster care, but later handed back to the mum.

Her lawyer told the court: “A decision was taken by the local authority to return the child. With the benefit of hindsight, one wonders if that decision was wellfounded.”

Canterbury Crown Court heard how neighbours had complained about the noise coming from the garden for 24 hours in June last year.

And when they arrived, they discovered her face down in a large paddling pool next to an empty bottle of booze.

Now a judge at Canterbury Crown Court has jailed her for seven months for child neglect – but ruled the woman cannot be identified to protect the child.

Prosecutor Fran Lawson told the court how on June 6, last year, the mum was in charge of her child at her home.

“A neighbour came round to complain about the noise, which had emanated from the address over the previous 24 hours,” she said.

“The defendant was found lying unconscious, face down in a large paddling pool. The twoyear-old was found standing in the pool screaming.

“Also in attendance were a number of children and teenagers, some of whom appeared to be drunk and none of whom were taking care of the child.”

The prosecutor added that an empty bottle of Jack Daniels was lying on the grass nearby.

The mother was pulled from the pool, where she had vomited and continued to be sick.

Ms Lawson added: “It was clear that she was highly intoxicated.”

Phil Rowley, defending, said the mother had “a history of inappropriate use of alcohol and drugs and a history of relationships with men which are abusive in nature”.

He added: “She presents herself as a deeply inadequate individual and advantage is taken of her by men. She has sought refuge in drink and it got out of control.

“She is now anxious, worried and scared.”

Jailing her, Judge Adele Williams told the mum that her drink and drug problems revealed she was unable to care for her child because she had not got to the point of tackling her issues.

“You were found slumped in the pool and your child was in danger and could have fallen into the water,” she said. “There were also other drunk teenagers who therefore couldn’t have supervised the child.

“My duty is clear – only a sentence of jail is justified. I just hope you find the resolve to tackle your problems once and for all to rid yourself of these addictions.”