CHRISTINE DOWNIE AND STEVEN SCOTT FROM BALLINGRY SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AND BURN INJURIES

A tragic case of child abuse has resulted in the imprisonment of a couple from Ballingry, following a horrifying incident involving a young girl who was subjected to severe burns. The incident took place at the couple's residence in Kirktoun Park, where Christine Downie, aged 30, deliberately placed the young girl into a bath filled with scalding hot water, causing her to sustain serious burns. Despite the extent of the injuries, the child was not taken to seek medical attention until the following day, raising concerns about neglect and the failure to provide necessary care.

Last week, Dunfermline Sheriff Court heard detailed accounts of the incident, which occurred on September 18, 2013. Christine Downie was sentenced to 28 months in prison for her role in the abuse. The court was told that she willfully mistreated, neglected, and exposed the child in a manner that was likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury. The act of placing the girl in the hot bath resulted in severe burns, which inflicted significant physical harm.

Steven Scott, also aged 30, was convicted and sentenced to 10 months in prison for his involvement in the same incident. Both defendants admitted to a second charge, which related to their actions the following day. On that day, they again willfully mistreated and neglected the child, knowing she had already suffered severe burns. Despite this knowledge, they failed to seek prompt medical treatment, thereby prolonging the child's suffering and neglecting her urgent health needs.

The court's proceedings highlighted the gravity of the case, emphasizing the breach of trust and the serious physical and emotional harm inflicted upon the young girl. The sentences reflect the severity of the crime and serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from harm, especially within their own homes in Ballingry.