Rockhampton mother sentenced in court for leaving a child unattended

A Rockhampton mother cried as she was sentenced in court for leaving her three-year-old son at home locked in his bedroom while she went to a friend’s house.

A Rockhampton mother cried as she was sentenced in court and was told she had “failed her child” after leaving her three-year-old son at home locked in his bedroom while she went to a friend’s house after midnight.

The defendant, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on October 18 to one count each of leaving a child under 12 unattended, possessing dangerous drugs, and possessing pipes or utensils that had been used.

Police prosecutor Brandy Butler said police could hear the child crying from outside the unit and saw that inside was dark and forced entry to the home.

Ms Butler said that after police found the child, they saw a bong next to the defendant’s bed, as well as two bowls with 1.9g of marijuana.

The defendant (right) leaving Rockhampton Courthouse on October 18, 2021. Picture: Aden Stokes

She said the defendant returned home about 4am and spoke to officers from the Child Protection Unit later that day, where she told them she “felt the need to get out of the house” and left about 12.34am.

She said the defendant told officers the house was locked and her son was asleep when she caught an Uber to go to her friend’s house, and that she had been locking her son’s door to stop him from hurting himself while roaming around the unit when he would wake up.

The court heard the defendant had no criminal history.

Defence lawyer Lauren Townsend said her client had no family support in Rockhampton.

Ms Townsend said her client was very protective of her son and having people at her house, which is why she chose to go to her friend’s house.

“Her apartment was otherwise clean and the child was healthy and cared for,” she said.

She said her client had been referred to the support service Family and Child Connect, which had further linked her to other services and referred her to a general practitioner.

Magistrate Jason Schubert told the defendant that “being a parent comes with a great responsibility and the need for personal sacrifices”.

“You failed your child and you failed yourself,” Mr Schubert said.

“You did so by putting your interests above your child’s who you left locked in a room.”

The defendant was placed on a good behaviour bond for four months, with a $600 recognisance attached.

She was also ordered to probation for eight months with no criminal convictions recorded.