MICHELLE WILLIAMSON FROM DUNDEE LEAVES 13-YEAR-OLD BOY IN SQUALID FLAT IN WINTER
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Dundee, a 36-year-old woman named Michelle Williamson was found to have left a 13-year-old boy living alone in a deplorable and unsafe environment for over four months.The incident, which came to light after an anonymous tip-off to Dundee City Council, revealed that the boy had been residing in a property that was in a state of severe disrepair and neglect.
According to court reports, the boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had been living in the flat since December 2020, during the festive season.
The conditions inside the residence were described as 'squalid' and 'freezing,' with the young teenager left to fend for himself in a home that lacked basic necessities such as adequate heating and proper sanitation.
The property was cluttered with unwashed dishes, some covered in mold, and piles of dirty laundry scattered across the floors.
A double mattress, which served as his sleeping area, was found with dirty bedding, and the entire environment was unfit for a child.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the boy was surviving on minimal food, primarily bowls of cereal, with only a few tins and a packet of pasta available in the house.
When his food supplies ran low, Williamson would arrange for frozen food deliveries or occasional takeaways, and she would transfer money to his bank account to top up the energy meter.
Despite her weekly check-ins, Williamson did not stay in the house, and the boy was left to manage alone in the cold, with the heating turned off and only about five pounds remaining on the meter.
The police discovered the boy living in these conditions in April of the previous year after receiving an anonymous call.
When officers arrived at the property, the young boy opened the door and explained that Williamson had gone to the shops.
He indicated that he was alone because he and Williamson had discussed that he needed 'space,' and he was left to survive in the cold, unclean environment.
The police noted that the house was in a state of disrepair, with unwashed dishes, mold, and minimal food supplies.
The temperature inside was uncomfortably cold, with no active heating, and the environment was described as dirty and unsafe.
Williamson, a mother of nine, was subsequently charged with wilfully neglecting the boy by leaving him in such conditions.
She pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting to leaving the child alone in a cold, filthy house, sleeping on a dirty mattress, and surviving on cereal.
The court heard that Williamson had continued her employment as a health care assistant with a private firm after her arrest but was dismissed following her conviction.
During the sentencing at Dundee Sheriff Court, Sheriff John Rafferty emphasized the seriousness of the case.
He stated, 'I consider this to be very serious.
It went on from December 2020 until 27 April 2021.
During this time, a 13-year-old child was left alone for almost an entire week in a house that was filthy, had inadequate heating, and he had to survive on frozen food and cereal.
How someone could allow this to continue for such a lengthy period is beyond me.' As part of her sentence, Williamson was ordered to complete 165 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, she was referred to Scottish Ministers for assessment regarding her suitability to work with children in the future.
The court's decision reflects the gravity of neglect and the potential risks posed to vulnerable minors when caregivers fail in their responsibilities.
