Man who was 'somewhat worse for wear' with child admits neglect

MAN WHO WAS 'SOMEWHAT WORSE FOR WEAR' WITH CHILD ADMITS NEGLECT

A man blamed a spiked cigarette after he was caught staggering through the city at night with a child in his arms.

A passer-by filmed the incident and alerted police officers who arrested Lee Woodward at around 3.40am, city magistrates heard.

Sanjay Jerath, prosecuting, said the recording lasted for six minutes and CCTV was also seized by police officers.

Woodward, 43, admitted to child neglect on May 27.

He was granted bail to await a probation report.

The case was adjourned until July 2, when he is due to be sentenced.

Rob Keeble, mitigating, described Woodward as "being somewhat the worse for wear" during the incident.

He added: "On that night, he accepted a cigarette which had been spiked with mamba.

It had a very serious effect on him." Woodward was granted bail but must live in Netherfield until he is sentenced.

Presiding magistrate Richard Eaton, who sat with two colleagues, said all penalties will be available when he returns to court.

"One item of additional information will be a report when considering the appropriate sentence," added Mr Eaton.

The court ordered that no information should be released which would help to identify the child involved.