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Mother apologies for leaving baby in car
8:02pm Tuesday 15th January 2008
A MOTHER who left her one-year-old baby in a car while she drank eight glasses of wine in a pub has spoken of her regret at her actions.
Gemma Train, aged 23, of Pinfold Close, Westhoughton, escaped a prison term when she appeared before Bolton Magistrates court charged with drunk in charge of child under seven and neglect.
Train was also ordered to get help for her drinking.
Speaking through her solicitor, Isobel Gray, after the hearing, Train, said: "She would wish for me to make an apology on her behalf to her son. She is very glad she is going to get the help she needs and that this has happened while he so young so that he was not aware of her behaviour.
"She never wants this to happen again she will do whatever is in her power to be a good mother."
The court heard how on December 2, Train left her baby in car for two hours while drinking "alone" in the Rose Hill Tavern on Leigh Road, Westhoughton, when she drank a bottle of wine and an extra two glasses.
She had left the keys in the ignition in and the music on, but had locked the door. The court was also told that Train said she checked on her son once during her drinking.
Bar staff and a customer intervened when they saw her leaving to go to her car and saw her take her child out who was crying The police were called.
Prosecutor Nicola Ormerod said: "Police described her as unsteady on her feet. She told police she was bang out of order' and drink got the better of me'.
Defending, Miss Gray conceded Train's actions were "appalling"
"The potential risk to her son was considerable," she said.
But Miss Gray said that Train who had pleaded guilty to the charges at an earlier hearing, was already seeking help for her drinking which had escalated from "binge drinking to something more serious".
Miss Gray said that Train, who works for the Child Support Agency, was currently on anti-depressendents and medication for her drinking.
She said: "She says she has not had a drink since December 2."
The solicitor also pointed out when the child was assessed by social services he was found to be fit and healthy, and that she was still being supported by the department, and her family.
Miss Gray said: "She never wants this to occur again and want to go forward and be a good mother."
Train was given a one month sentence for being drunk in charge of a child and a four month suspended sentenced for child neglect, to run concurrently.
The sentence was suspended for 12 months.
Train was also ordered to undertake work regarding her alcohol use and for her behaviour and thinking.
Costs of £43 were also imposed.
Chairman of the bench, David Vause said: "The offences are so serious only a custodial sentence is justified."
Your Say Yourtheboltonnews
Martin, Bolton says...
8:18pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Lord Lucan, Somewhere says...
8:39pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Of course the poor old taxpayer is already funding this disreputable person through the CSA (something else which should also be banned given the clear conflict of interest).
Moving on and debating public interest cases. This case of neglect resulted in no damage to the child. Why do you think the McCanns got away with far greater neglect which resulted in real harm (highly likely) to Madeleine McCann - an action that neither the negligent parents nor by extension the UK social services seem to see as child neglect of the worst kind?
Bilbo Joe, Ont' pewt says...
8:39pm Tue 15 Jan 08
just one voice wrote:Well, all manner of what have you, thanks. English is my first language, of course. My French is half decent. I've got what I'd call 'restaurant' Spanish and German. That's about it really!
Just what can you say!!!
Linda, NY USA says...
8:41pm Tue 15 Jan 08
ManicDepreziv, bolton says...
9:00pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Disgusted, Tunbridge Wells says...
9:32pm Tue 15 Jan 08
BWFC - TIL - I - DIE, BOLTON says...
9:40pm Tue 15 Jan 08
YEAH RIGHT..
Miss Gray said that Train, who works for the Child Support Agency
SHE CANT EVEN LOOK AFTER HER OWN!!!! SHE SHOULD BE SACKED!! WHAT KIND OF MOTHER LEAVES THEIR CHILD ON THERE OWN ANYWHERE, NEVER MIND IN A CARPARK!!! DISCUSTING!!!!
just one voice, Bury says...
9:57pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Bilbo Joe wrote:Oh you show off you!
just one voice wrote: Just what can you say!!!Well, all manner of what have you, thanks. English is my first language, of course. My French is half decent. I've got what I'd call 'restaurant' Spanish and German. That's about it really!
kerry, says...
10:20pm Tue 15 Jan 08
BWFC - TIL - I - DIE wrote:the mc canns left their children alone yet they arent facing court are they
well she's apologised so lets say no more about it.....
YEAH RIGHT..
Miss Gray said that Train, who works for the Child Support Agency
SHE CANT EVEN LOOK AFTER HER OWN!!!! SHE SHOULD BE SACKED!! WHAT KIND OF MOTHER LEAVES THEIR CHILD ON THERE OWN ANYWHERE, NEVER MIND IN A CARPARK!!! DISCUSTING!!!!
i agree it is disgusting to leave children alone
Upsy Daisy, says...
10:32pm Tue 15 Jan 08
It's dreadful that she actually did it - it sounds as though she has perhaps no support?
I'm a single mum (work full time - before anyone starts) it's tough going but I can't think of a situation where I would leave my child in the car whilst I went for a drink?
There was a discusion about this the other day on the radio about people leaving their kids in the car whilst they paid for petrol or dropped a sibling off at school.
I've never done that -what if your car got stolen?
I think she should think herself lucky that nothing awful happened to her baby whilst she was in the pub.
Silly girl.
Druid, says...
10:39pm Tue 15 Jan 08
parishner, bolton says...
10:42pm Tue 15 Jan 08
BWFC - TIL - I - DIE wrote:were was the father@??
well she's apologised so lets say no more about it..... YEAH RIGHT..Miss Gray said that Train, who works for the Child Support AgencySHE CANT EVEN LOOK AFTER HER OWN!!!! SHE SHOULD BE SACKED!! WHAT KIND OF MOTHER LEAVES THEIR CHILD ON THERE OWN ANYWHERE, NEVER MIND IN A CARPARK!!! DISCUSTING!!!!
parishner, bolton says...
10:43pm Tue 15 Jan 08
ManicDepreziv wrote:music on keys in ignition,but doors locked,how???she get in>??
In comparison with the McCanns at least this imbecile had the "sense" to lock the doors to her child.
parishner, bolton says...
10:45pm Tue 15 Jan 08
just one voice wrote:why no charge of drunk in charge,of vechile,as well?
Just what can you say!!!
Upsy Daisy, says...
10:48pm Tue 15 Jan 08
My God, I would die of the shame..
parishner, bolton says...
10:58pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Upsy Daisy wrote:i feel this girl has problems,and needs the help she will be offered,the driving bit,sort of makes it worse,r well,lessons learned and that,but alchol is the strongest,drug to put down...
I don't condone what she has done but it must be shameful to be up in court AND have it splashed all over the papers - AND have social services involved.. My God, I would die of the shame..
Dimuc, B/Rod says...
11:01pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Druid wrote:More than likely. Fortunatly the staff of the pub phoning the police has brought an end to this hopefully, but how many times has she done this before, or would have again if she hadn't been cought. Also why do these kind of situations seem acceptable and dealt with leniently bu the Courts when the accused have a drink or drug problem?
I wonder how she was intending getting home after she had finished her drinking session. Driving?
parishner, bolton says...
11:07pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Dimuc wrote:drunk whilst in charge,was a ban,in the circs,had she drove away which im sure ,she would have the risk was there of ,danger keys in the ignition,drove there what more proof??dont say she needs stoning to death,but regulated till sober,prision doesnt always stop druggies and drink probs,has reapeat offending after prison shows,so sometimes alternatives make sense,in my opinion
Druid wrote: I wonder how she was intending getting home after she had finished her drinking session. Driving?More than likely. Fortunatly the staff of the pub phoning the police has brought an end to this hopefully, but how many times has she done this before, or would have again if she hadn't been cought. Also why do these kind of situations seem acceptable and dealt with leniently bu the Courts when the accused have a drink or drug problem?
emma, bolton says...
11:14pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Upsy Daisy wrote:I would never leave a child in the car why I dropped one off at school but I do leave them in the car with the doors locked when I pay for petrol, petrol stations have windows so you can watch them whilst your paying, If your saying that doing that is wrong then the same could be said for letting them sleep in a room upstairs unsupervised why your downsatirs with the tele/radio on, someone could climb through their window n snatch em!
I don't know what to say about this? It's dreadful that she actually did it - it sounds as though she has perhaps no support? I'm a single mum (work full time - before anyone starts) it's tough going but I can't think of a situation where I would leave my child in the car whilst I went for a drink? There was a discusion about this the other day on the radio about people leaving their kids in the car whilst they paid for petrol or dropped a sibling off at school. I've never done that -what if your car got stolen? I think she should think herself lucky that nothing awful happened to her baby whilst she was in the pub. Silly girl.
parishner, bolton says...
11:21pm Tue 15 Jan 08
emma wrote:correct but going on the lash,getting wacked on smack,or leaving them home alone is no no,all depends on there age in the garage,they have an habit of coping ,mum/dad,like taking handbrake off,etc,maybe choke on objects,all depends on age
Upsy Daisy wrote: I don't know what to say about this? It's dreadful that she actually did it - it sounds as though she has perhaps no support? I'm a single mum (work full time - before anyone starts) it's tough going but I can't think of a situation where I would leave my child in the car whilst I went for a drink? There was a discusion about this the other day on the radio about people leaving their kids in the car whilst they paid for petrol or dropped a sibling off at school. I've never done that -what if your car got stolen? I think she should think herself lucky that nothing awful happened to her baby whilst she was in the pub. Silly girl.I would never leave a child in the car why I dropped one off at school but I do leave them in the car with the doors locked when I pay for petrol, petrol stations have windows so you can watch them whilst your paying, If your saying that doing that is wrong then the same could be said for letting them sleep in a room upstairs unsupervised why your downsatirs with the tele/radio on, someone could climb through their window n snatch em!
keithyt, Bolton says...
11:32pm Tue 15 Jan 08
So why did she not get one
emma, bolton says...
11:33pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Also I agree with a previous poster about the Mccanns not getting prosecuted for neglect, course they should of been, Ive always said if theyd lived on a council estate they would of done and this case just proves that.
emma, bolton says...
11:38pm Tue 15 Jan 08
keithyt wrote:she did, but it was suspended. If shes seen the error of her ways then thats a good thing she never went to jail, jail might of prevented her ever getting a job again which could lead to more depression, more drinking and more serious repercussions for the child.
Chairman of the bench, David Vause said: "The offences are so serious only a custodial sentence is justified." So why did she not get one
Dimuc, B/Rod says...
11:55pm Tue 15 Jan 08
parishner wrote:I can understand your point of view, but my meaning is that if the accused has a good solicitor, then the first thing they do is claim a drink or drugs problem, so they wasnt in the right frame of mind, and they say they are trying to give it up, receive lenient sentences then go home hand up their suit, then right back out to the local drug dealer or local pub then start again. I know lots of people who do this because of working with this type of person in the past.
Dimuc wrote:drunk whilst in charge,was a ban,in the circs,had she drove away which im sure ,she would have the risk was there of ,danger keys in the ignition,drove there what more proof??dont say she needs stoning to death,but regulated till sober,prision doesnt always stop druggies and drink probs,has reapeat offending after prison shows,so sometimes alternatives make sense,in my opinionDruid wrote: I wonder how she was intending getting home after she had finished her drinking session. Driving?More than likely. Fortunatly the staff of the pub phoning the police has brought an end to this hopefully, but how many times has she done this before, or would have again if she hadn't been cought. Also why do these kind of situations seem acceptable and dealt with leniently bu the Courts when the accused have a drink or drug problem?
These people know how to play the system and get away with lenient sentences, by playing the under privileged card.
elliot, harwood says...
11:58pm Tue 15 Jan 08
themind truly boggles...
Phil, Very close to Bolton says...
12:02am Wed 16 Jan 08
As unpleasant as it is to accept the mother obviously needs help and I hope for the childs sake she gets it.
Dimuc, B/Rod says...
12:03am Wed 16 Jan 08
parishner wrote:I can understand your point of view, but my meaning is that if the accused has a good solicitor, then the first thing they do is claim a drink or drugs problem, so they wasnt in the right frame of mind, and they say they are trying to give it up, receive lenient sentences then go home hand up their suit, then right back out to the local drug dealer or local pub then start again. I know lots of people who do this because of working with this type of person in the past.
Dimuc wrote:drunk whilst in charge,was a ban,in the circs,had she drove away which im sure ,she would have the risk was there of ,danger keys in the ignition,drove there what more proof??dont say she needs stoning to death,but regulated till sober,prision doesnt always stop druggies and drink probs,has reapeat offending after prison shows,so sometimes alternatives make sense,in my opinionDruid wrote: I wonder how she was intending getting home after she had finished her drinking session. Driving?More than likely. Fortunatly the staff of the pub phoning the police has brought an end to this hopefully, but how many times has she done this before, or would have again if she hadn't been cought. Also why do these kind of situations seem acceptable and dealt with leniently bu the Courts when the accused have a drink or drug problem?
These people know how to play the system and get away with lenient sentences, by playing the under privileged card.
elliot, harwood says...
12:17am Wed 16 Jan 08
irf, Accrington says...
9:00am today Wed 16 Jan 08
Sheila, says...
9:51am Wed 16 Jan 08
irf wrote:I absolutely agree and as for her having the support of her family they are as bad as she is . They obviously knew she had a drink problem, they should have reported her to social services. I hope she loses her job. I can`t believe the leniency of this sentence.
If the staff hadnt reported her she would have eventually drove off, driving whilst heavily drunk, probably killing herself and anyone she hits. There should be zero tolerence for drunks like this, i would get the social services involved and take away the kid.
chas, suffolk says...
12:42pm Wed 16 Jan 08
parishner, bolton says...
12:56pm Wed 16 Jan 08
emma, bolton says...
1:56pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Sheila wrote:tell you what sheila, if thats how you would support your family and freinds then god knows what youd do to an enemy.
irf wrote: If the staff hadnt reported her she would have eventually drove off, driving whilst heavily drunk, probably killing herself and anyone she hits. There should be zero tolerence for drunks like this, i would get the social services involved and take away the kid.I absolutely agree and as for her having the support of her family they are as bad as she is . They obviously knew she had a drink problem, they should have reported her to social services. I hope she loses her job. I can`t believe the leniency of this sentence.
Nasty old witch.
Anne, little lever says...
1:59pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Disgusted, Tunbridge Wells says...
2:19pm Wed 16 Jan 08
parishner wrote:You will find that lane or whatever cropping up a lot in the BN it sounds like if you get kicked out of Halliwell or you're straight from Prison you go there ?
pinfold westhoughton,the suspect in the horwich murder has been arrested,in a house there what kind of area is this????
Obviously this excuse for a Mother has Drink/Drugs and Mental health problems but so does every criminal who comes before the Courts it's quite an outrageous case and yeah what happened to the Drunk in charge of a Motor Vehicle charge ? She was let off because she is a mother a very very bad Mother.
farnworth girl, says...
2:58pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Disgusted, Tunbridge Wells says...
6:58pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Ritzyjingles, Bolton says...
7:42pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Upsy Daisy, says...
8:42pm Wed 16 Jan 08
emma wrote:Well I know what you are saying. it's all ifs, but's and maybes.
Upsy Daisy wrote: I don't know what to say about this? It's dreadful that she actually did it - it sounds as though she has perhaps no support? I'm a single mum (work full time - before anyone starts) it's tough going but I can't think of a situation where I would leave my child in the car whilst I went for a drink? There was a discusion about this the other day on the radio about people leaving their kids in the car whilst they paid for petrol or dropped a sibling off at school. I've never done that -what if your car got stolen? I think she should think herself lucky that nothing awful happened to her baby whilst she was in the pub. Silly girl.I would never leave a child in the car why I dropped one off at school but I do leave them in the car with the doors locked when I pay for petrol, petrol stations have windows so you can watch them whilst your paying, If your saying that doing that is wrong then the same could be said for letting them sleep in a room upstairs unsupervised why your downsatirs with the tele/radio on, someone could climb through their window n snatch em!
If I had to sit upstairs all night watching my child sleeping it would send me crazy!!
I still have the baby monitor so I can hear what's going on upstairs - thankfully.
emma, bolton says...
9:38pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Disgusted wrote:she didnt drive the vehicle. read the story!
parishner wrote: pinfold westhoughton,the suspect in the horwich murder has been arrested,in a house there what kind of area is this????You will find that lane or whatever cropping up a lot in the BN it sounds like if you get kicked out of Halliwell or you're straight from Prison you go there ? Obviously this excuse for a Mother has Drink/Drugs and Mental health problems but so does every criminal who comes before the Courts it's quite an outrageous case and yeah what happened to the Drunk in charge of a Motor Vehicle charge ? She was let off because she is a mother a very very bad Mother.
manutd, bolton says...
10:27pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Disgusted wrote:why dont you 2 stop slaging off areas you dont even know, i have lived here a year and had less hassle than i have had in the 4 other areas of bolton i have lived. I have never been in jail, i dont have drink or drug issues and never had a mental problem until i read your comments.
parishner wrote: pinfold westhoughton,the suspect in the horwich murder has been arrested,in a house there what kind of area is this????You will find that lane or whatever cropping up a lot in the BN it sounds like if you get kicked out of Halliwell or you're straight from Prison you go there ? Obviously this excuse for a Mother has Drink/Drugs and Mental health problems but so does every criminal who comes before the Courts it's quite an outrageous case and yeah what happened to the Drunk in charge of a Motor Vehicle charge ? She was let off because she is a mother a very very bad Mother.
Disgusted you did not even bother to find out what kind of road it is, in future why not check out what you are slagging off
MICK, BOLTON says...
1:36pm Thu 17 Jan 08
emma wrote:if the keys are in the ignition it doesn't mater if you drive or not if your over the limit you would normaly be charged with it.
Disgusted wrote:she didnt drive the vehicle. read the story!parishner wrote: pinfold westhoughton,the suspect in the horwich murder has been arrested,in a house there what kind of area is this????You will find that lane or whatever cropping up a lot in the BN it sounds like if you get kicked out of Halliwell or you're straight from Prison you go there ? Obviously this excuse for a Mother has Drink/Drugs and Mental health problems but so does every criminal who comes before the Courts it's quite an outrageous case and yeah what happened to the Drunk in charge of a Motor Vehicle charge ? She was let off because she is a mother a very very bad Mother.
but that aside she took the baby out of the car so even if she was going to drive she has the same witnesess that rang the police so its hard to prove she wasn't going to walk.
MICK, BOLTON says...
1:46pm Thu 17 Jan 08
Must of been a while.
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just one voice, Bury says...
8:17pm Tue 15 Jan 08