Parents scared to let son out after 'appalling' bruise probe

THE parents of a six-year-old boy who were investigated after a teacher spotted bruises on their son's leg say they are scared to let him out to play in case he injures himself and social workers are called in again.

George and Jaunine Dobbie were quizzed after a teacher at Mayfield Primary School in Midlothian noticed the injuries to their son Jordan during gym class.

They were called into the school where social workers and police were waiting and Jordan was kept away from them for more than three hours.

Mr and Mrs Dobbie have condemned the "appalling" treatment they received, saying Jordan's bruises were down to nothing more than him being a normal, active six-year-old boy.

It is the second time in as many months that Midlothian Council has come under fire for using "heavy handed" tactics against parents.

Just last month, Thomas Tweedie and his wife Debra were stopped from taking their seven-year-old daughter home from school by social workers because of a playground rumour.

The couple were quizzed after a teacher overheard their daughter Louise telling a friend that her dad had "beaten up" her mum.

The couple said the allegations were completely unfounded and hit out at the "heavy handed" tactics used.

But the local authority has backed the decisions made in both cases.

The latest incident happened last Tuesday when Mr and Mrs Dobbie were called into the school, where social workers and police were waiting for them.

Mr Dobbie said: "They kept him (Jordan] in a room while social workers spoke to him, then to us and we weren't allowed to see him for over three hours.

"We didn't get out until 6:30pm. It's not right.

"He's a very active young boy.

Jordan is into his wrestling and playing in the park and he fell off his bike, as six-year-olds do.

"We're worried the next time he falls off his bike they (the social workers] are going to be doing this."

Mrs Dobbie added: "I think it's appalling the way we got treated."

The couple are now looking to get Jordan moved to another school as they say he is terrified to return to Mayfield Primary for fear that he is going to be taken away by social workers.

Colin Anderson, Midlothian Council's director of social work, said that any allegations of physical abuse require to be considered for investigation under Lothian and Borders child protection procedures.

He added: "I cannot discuss any details of this particular case, but having reviewed all the circumstances, I am entirely satisfied that we responded appropriately and proportionately to the information presented to our officers."