Number of adults drunk in charge of kids trebles

THE number of adults arrested for being drunk in charge of children in public has tripled during the last year, new figures revealed today.

A total of 18 people were charged with the offence by Lothian and Borders Police between last April and March, compared with only six for the same period a year before.

Child welfare charities today called for the law to be extended to cover the homes of children to give them better protection.

Police chiefs said they took “immediate action” against anyone in charge of a child who was drunk and incapable of caring for the youngster. Under the law, officers can arrest an adult who is “clearly” unable to provide a reasonable level of care due to drinking.

Alison Todd, director of children and family services for child welfare charity Children 1st, said: “The rise in the number of parents being charged with being drunk in charge of a child is cause for concern. What is even more worrying is that this number only applies to parents who have been found to be drunk with their child in a public place, but we know that there will be many more cases behind closed doors.

“This is why Children 1st has been campaigning for legislation to be updated so that children are better protected in their own homes.”

A police spokesman said: “Lothian and Borders Police is committed to ensuring the safety and security of children in our communities.

“When officers are made aware of an incident where an adult is drunk and incapable of caring for a child in their care, then we take immediate action to ensure that the appropriate care arrangements are in place for the child, and we work closely with social work departments as part of that process.”

A council spokeswoman said: “When an adult is drunk and incapable of looking after a child in their care our first priority is to act to make sure the child is safe and if necessary identify a suitable carer.

“We would continue to monitor the situation and assess what further intervention with the family is required.”

Last month, a babysitter appeared in court after being caught drunk while looking after a 13-month-old boy.

Darren Gillespie, 31, agreed to look after the toddler in Bathgate, West Lothian, on January 11 even though he had been drinking heavily.

In February, a former escort admitted neglecting a toddler by getting drunk and leaving him surrounded by razor blades, drugs and alcohol in her home in Lower Granton Road on March 22 last year.

Nicola Brims, 32, was ordered to carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work.

Letter of the law

THE law allows adults found to be drunk in public while in charge of a child under the age of ten to be charged with a criminal offence.

The legislation falls under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

Upon conviction in court, fines of up to £500 can be imposed.

The Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 allows an adult to be charged with neglecting their child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering, while “incapacitated through alcohol”.