A Perth woman who allowed a toddler to play on a rooftop while she topped up her tan avoided being sent to prison.
However, Sheriff Gillian Wade told Katherine Reeves, 23, of Rannoch Road, Letham, Perth, that if her attitude to the offence does not change she faces time in jail.
The court had previously heard how Reeves had clambered over a metre-high railing to gain access to a roof space.
Depute Fiscal John Malpass said: “The accused’s friends were already up on the roof and she passed the child up to them, before she lay down and began focusing on topping up her tan.”
The court had heard how horrified neighbours saw the toddler wandering around before perching over the edge of a sheer 12-foot drop to the ground.
Police were called and took Reeves to Perth police headquarters where she was arrested and charged. She had told officers: “It was a stupid mistake.”
Reeves admitted that on May 11 last year, she wilfully neglected a two-year-child by allowing it to play on a rooftop with no perimeter protection.
On Wednesday, solicitor David Holmes, defending, said: “My client bitterly regrets this stupidity. This incident has ruined the life of my client. If she is given her liberty she has said she will conform.”
Sheriff Wade told Mr Holmes: “This goes beyond the wishes of your client. What she wants is of no major concern.”
Sentencing Reeves, Sheriff Wade said: “I am hugely unimpressed by your attitude as set out in the social work report. This offence will have a huge impact on this child.
“Let me be clear that I expect a very positive review – otherwise custody is very much in my mind.”
Reeves was given a supervised community programme order for two years and ordered to carry out 200 hours’ unpaid work in the community.
A review of the case will take place on May 3.
