Care worker left boy, 13, home alone for months surviving on bowls of cereal

A 13-year-old boy was found living alone in freezing and squalid conditions, sleeping on a filthy mattress and surviving on bowls of cereal.

The teenager was living in a flat in Dundee, Scotland, and had not been provided with adequate food or heating during the winter.

It was later established health care worker Michelle Williamson, 36, had been allowing the boy to live by himself for four months.

Sheriff John Rafferty told Dundee Sheriff Court: ‘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 had to survive on frozen food and carry-out meals.

‘How someone could allow this to continue for such a lengthy period of time is beyond me.’

The boy was rescued in April following an anonymous tip to Dundee City Council.

It was then discovered Williamson had allowed the boy to be unsupervised five nights a week from December 2020 until 27 April 2021.

Fiscal depute Dev Kapadia told the court the boy had wanted his own space and Williamson made arrangements for him to live at a flat.

Mr Kapadia said the living room of the property was the only one which was heated and the boy ate three bowls of cereal a day, with the occasional take-away.

He said Williamson arranged for frozen food to be delivered, and transferred money to the boy’s bank account to top up the energy meter.

Mr Kapadia said: ‘Police received a call from child protection from the council, who had received an anonymous call about concerns a child was living alone.

‘The door was eventually opened by the child, who indicated to them the reason he was home alone was because the accused had gone to the shops.

‘The child told them they would contact her by phone, but while talking to police the child conceded they lived alone because they “needed space”.’

The court heard the dirty property was in a constant state of disarray, with worktops piled high with unwashed bowls and plates which had mould on them.

Mr Kapadia said: ‘There was little food – just a few tins and a packet of pasta. Dirty laundry lay everywhere and a double mattress in the living room had dirty bedding.

‘Police noted there was £5 on the meter but no heating on. It was cold and uncomfortable.’

Williamson apparently checked up on the child once a week but did not stay with him.

The mum-of-nine was sentenced to 165 hours of unpaid work after a court found her guilty of wilful neglect. She lost her job as a result and is now unemployed.

Sheriff Rafferty also referred her to Scottish ministers for them to assess her suitability for working with children.

Sheriff Rafferty said: ‘It is extraordinary she was employed as an adult support worker, and more extraordinary she continued as a health care assistant.’

Solicitor David Duncan, defending, said: ‘She displayed a very grave error of judgment. Significant lessons have been learned.’

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