BERNADETTE ADAMS FROM ABERUTHVEN FACES CHARGES OVER CHILD NEGLECT AND SQUALID CONDITIONS
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Aberuthven Child Abuser
Bernadette Adams, aged 38, appeared before Perth Sheriff Court to admit to charges of willfully neglecting two young children in a manner that was likely to cause them unnecessary suffering or harm to their health. The incident took place at a residence in the Aberuthven area on October 15, 2018.
During the court proceedings, it was detailed that the conditions inside the house were appalling, with two young children found in a state of extreme filth and squalor. One of the children was discovered barefoot, and both were observed to be living amidst a chaotic and unhygienic environment. Clothing was scattered across the living room floor, and the space was cluttered with dirty dishes left on the table. Animal bowls, likely used for pets, were also found on the floor, adding to the overall sense of neglect.
One particularly disturbing detail was the discovery of a child's bath, which was situated next to a dirty toilet and had been repurposed as a cat litter tray. The bath had not been cleaned for a significant period, indicating a severe lack of hygiene. One of the children’s beds was found without any bedding, while the other bed was stained and appeared to have been unwashed for a long time. Both beds were being used by a cat, and the entire property was permeated with a foul smell of cat urine, further emphasizing the neglect.
Officers also observed a large pile of bin bags in the backyard, stacked to such an extent that it posed a health hazard. Mr. Sweeney, representing the authorities, noted that the accumulation could potentially lead to a vermin infestation if it had not already.
The court heard that the children had been left in the care of a teenage individual who was found sleeping during a welfare visit. When officers arrived, they discovered the two children wandering in the hallway without any adult supervision, having been left to roam freely within the property. Entry was only gained after repeated knocking, indicating that the occupants had initially refused access.
Inside the house, there was a clear lack of adequate food supplies. The dishwasher was filled with dishes that appeared to have been dirty for a considerable amount of time, further illustrating the neglect. Mr. Sweeney pointed out that as officers ascended the stairs, they encountered a pile of dirty clothes obstructing the walkway on the landing, which posed a significant safety risk for any young child potentially falling down the stairs.
Additional signs of neglect included a mattress on the floor with an extension cord stretched across it, serving as a makeshift connection for electrical sockets. The overall state of the property was one of disarray and danger, with dangerous medicines within reach of the children and a overflowing cat litter tray filled with excrement.
In addition to the neglect charges, Adams also pleaded guilty to shouting and screaming at her former partner and breaching bail conditions. The court sentenced her to a community payback order, which requires her to be supervised by a social worker for the next nine months. Her progress will be monitored, with a review scheduled for April 24, 2019, to assess her compliance and any improvements in her circumstances.
During the court proceedings, it was detailed that the conditions inside the house were appalling, with two young children found in a state of extreme filth and squalor. One of the children was discovered barefoot, and both were observed to be living amidst a chaotic and unhygienic environment. Clothing was scattered across the living room floor, and the space was cluttered with dirty dishes left on the table. Animal bowls, likely used for pets, were also found on the floor, adding to the overall sense of neglect.
One particularly disturbing detail was the discovery of a child's bath, which was situated next to a dirty toilet and had been repurposed as a cat litter tray. The bath had not been cleaned for a significant period, indicating a severe lack of hygiene. One of the children’s beds was found without any bedding, while the other bed was stained and appeared to have been unwashed for a long time. Both beds were being used by a cat, and the entire property was permeated with a foul smell of cat urine, further emphasizing the neglect.
Officers also observed a large pile of bin bags in the backyard, stacked to such an extent that it posed a health hazard. Mr. Sweeney, representing the authorities, noted that the accumulation could potentially lead to a vermin infestation if it had not already.
The court heard that the children had been left in the care of a teenage individual who was found sleeping during a welfare visit. When officers arrived, they discovered the two children wandering in the hallway without any adult supervision, having been left to roam freely within the property. Entry was only gained after repeated knocking, indicating that the occupants had initially refused access.
Inside the house, there was a clear lack of adequate food supplies. The dishwasher was filled with dishes that appeared to have been dirty for a considerable amount of time, further illustrating the neglect. Mr. Sweeney pointed out that as officers ascended the stairs, they encountered a pile of dirty clothes obstructing the walkway on the landing, which posed a significant safety risk for any young child potentially falling down the stairs.
Additional signs of neglect included a mattress on the floor with an extension cord stretched across it, serving as a makeshift connection for electrical sockets. The overall state of the property was one of disarray and danger, with dangerous medicines within reach of the children and a overflowing cat litter tray filled with excrement.
In addition to the neglect charges, Adams also pleaded guilty to shouting and screaming at her former partner and breaching bail conditions. The court sentenced her to a community payback order, which requires her to be supervised by a social worker for the next nine months. Her progress will be monitored, with a review scheduled for April 24, 2019, to assess her compliance and any improvements in her circumstances.