By Richard Burdge

A PERTH granny blamed for ruining her grandchildren’s teeth with her “excessive” gifts of sweets, has won a legal battle to have contact with the children.

In an action raised at Perth Sheriff Court, the amount of sweets and fizzy drinks she gave the four children was given as a reason behind her daughter withdrawing access to the youngsters.

Now in a written judgment, Sheriff Daniel Kelly has decided the grandmother should be allowed to see the children for two hours at her home, once a month, but warned this should not be an excuse for “over- indulgence” in sweets.

The grandmother was actively involved with the care of the children prior to March 2006.

It was at that time she was told she could no longer have contact with the children, her daughter blaming her for a visit to her home by the SSPCA in connection with her dogs and also the volume of sweets she was giving the children.

The daughter claimed her mother would “often bring two carrier bags of sweets” but Sheriff Kelly said while there was evidence of dental problems among the children, it was not possible to attribute this solely to the sweets provided by the older woman.

It was argued the older woman would be able to offer the children emotional warmth and affection as they grew older.

Sheriff Kelly said he accepted the grandmother had given the children “excessive sweets,” but did not think it was appropriate or in the children’s best interests that they did not see her.

“The children would benefit from contact with the pursuer, especially emotionally,” he said.

“However, such contact should not involve an over- indulgence in the provision of confectionery.”

The sheriff added, “I do not underestimate the importance of providing a good diet to the children and to ensuring that they have healthy teeth.

“However, in my estimation, the dental problem has to be addressed specifically. I am not satisfied that the total cessation of contact is the answer”.

Sheriff Kelly concluded the order he made would “preserve and foster the link between the children and the grandmother, while not unduly disrupting the life for her daughter and the children.”