LOCHGELLY WOMAN KAREEN MORAN FACES FINE AFTER LEAVING CHILD HOME ALONE IN INSECURE PROPERTY

In September 2021, a distressing incident unfolded in Lochgelly involving Kareen Moran, a woman who was found to have neglected her responsibilities as a caregiver. Moran, who was entrusted with the care of an eight-year-old child, was discovered to have left the young girl alone in a property that was both insecure and lacking basic necessities such as food and heating. This breach of her court-imposed restrictions on her liberty has led to her being fined by the authorities.

According to reports, Moran was supposed to be looking after the child but instead chose to leave her unattended at home. The reason for her absence was her decision to go out to a local pub in the early evening hours, despite having already consumed two bottles of whisky. Her actions demonstrated a clear disregard for her parental responsibilities and the safety of the child in her care.

Back in December of the previous year, Moran had narrowly avoided a jail sentence after being convicted of similar breaches. Instead, she was fitted with an electronic tag as part of her sentence, a measure intended to monitor her movements and ensure compliance with court orders. However, she subsequently violated these restrictions on two separate occasions, prompting her return to court.

On this occasion, Moran, aged 41 and residing at West Park in Lochgelly, appeared before Dunfermline Sheriff Court to face the consequences of her actions. She admitted to the court that at High Street, Cowdenbeath, she had wilfully neglected her responsibilities by leaving her child overnight in a property that was both insecure and unfit for habitation. The property lacked basic amenities, including food and heating, which posed serious concerns for the child's welfare.

The incident came to light when the child, at approximately 9:20 am, made a 999 emergency call to police. During the call, the child reported being 'home alone' with no food and no money to sustain herself. When police officers arrived at the scene, they found the front door of the property was insecure, and there was no heating turned on, further highlighting the neglect.

In light of these breaches and the evidence presented, Sheriff Lindsay Foulis imposed a fine of £100 on Moran for her actions. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the consequences faced by those who neglect their parental duties in the Lochgelly area.