A Dundee health care worker has lost her job and narrowly avoided a jail sentence after admitting letting a child live on their own for months in a “filthy” and “cold” home.
Michelle Williamson, 36, admitted wilfully neglecting a young teenager, leaving them living alone in a cold house, on a filthy mattress on the living room floor and surviving on bowls of cereal.
Police found the youngster living in the squalid home in April last year following an anonymous tip-off to the council, Dundee Sheriff Court heard previously.
The child – who cannot be identified publicly – had been occupying the property over Christmas in December 2020.
Police eventually stepped in in April 2021.
Despite the conditions they were left in, council social workers raised no other concerns about Williamson or children in her care, the court was told.
Sheriff’s judgement
The court heard Williamson had lost her job as a carer following the revelation of her offence.
Sheriff John Rafferty said he could have imposed a custodial sentence but it would have a “high” impact on the nine children who live with her.
Sentencing Williamson to unpaid work, Sheriff Rafferty said: “I consider this to be a very serious breach.
“This offence went on from December 2020 to April 2021, during which time a (child) was left alone in a house that was filthy, with inadequate heating, left to survive on takeaways and frozen food.
“How someone could allow this to continue is beyond me.
“I have to take into account your lack of record, previous admissions made and the content of the report.
“This case clearly merits a custodial disposal.
Unpaid work
“You are someone who looks after nine children.
“The impact on them (of you being sent to prison) would be high.
“I am therefore prepared to follow the recommendations of social work and impose unpaid work.
“In view of the gravity of the offence I must now submit a report to Scottish Ministers.
“That is for them to decide if you are a suitable person to work with children.”
Williamson, of Dundee, must complete 165 hours unpaid work within the year.
In mitigation, solicitor Dave Duncan said: “The report is available – I hope it confirms matters have settled down.
“She has lost her employment as a result.”
Survived on cereal and takeaway
Depute fiscal Dev Kapadia previously told the court the child moved into a four-bedroom property after Williamson and her partner began living together in December 2020 and their home became too crowded.
“Alternative arrangements were made for the child to live at the address, on their own, five nights a week.
“A double mattress was in the living room.
“It was the only room which was heated.
“(The child) was eating three bowls of cereal a day.
“If (the child) ran low on food, she (Williamson) would arrange for frozen food to be delivered, or the occasional take-away.
“She would transfer money to (the child’s) bank to top-up the energy meter.”
Shocking state of house
The fiscal continued: “This lasted until April 27.
“Police received a call from child protection concern from the council, who had received an anonymous call about concerns a child was living alone.”
The child answered the door to police and initially told them they were alone because Williamson had gone to the shops.”
The fiscal said: “While talking to police the child conceded they lived alone because they needed space.
“Williamson would check in on the child once a week but would not stay, they said.
‘State of disrepair’
“Police were concerned about the condition of the house.
“It was in a state of disrepair.
“It was unclean, dirty, with worktops piled with unwashed bowls and plates, which had mould on them.
“There was little food – just a few tins and a packet of pasta.
“Dirty laundry lay everywhere and a double mattress in the living room with dirty bedding.
“Police noted there was £5 on the meter but no heating on.
“It was cold and uncomfortable.”
No council comment
Upon Williamson’s conviction, The Courier asked Dundee City Council to comment on the case.
The local authority did not respond.
