Woman Given Community Order for Being Drunk in Charge of Child

A Southampton woman has been given a community order for being drunk in charge of a child.

Carmel Betteridge, 29, originally denied the offence but was found guilty following trial at Southampton Magistrates' Court on 20th February 2019. District Judge Peter Greenfield adjourned the matter for reports, prior to sentencing Betteridge yesterday.

It is an offence under section 2 of the Licensing Act 1902 for any person found drunk on a highway or other public place to have a child under the age of 7 years in their charge. The maximum penalty for the offence is a fine at level 2 (currently £500) or one month's imprisonment.

This is not a very common charge, thus making it worthy of mention in this article.

Prosecutor Liam Hunter described the circumstances of the offence, which took place on the city's Vincents Walk at around 8.30 pm on 28th August 2018.

Two police officers, PCs Ben Hitchins and Martin Parker, approached Betteridge and the child after concerns were raised by a member of the public. The officers described how her breath smelt of alcohol, slurred her words and was uncooperative.

PC Hitchins said: "She was aggressive she kept repeating herself.

"She was saying things like 'I can't give you my name' and 'I'm not going to give you my name'."

The court was shown camera footage from a device worn by PC Parker during his attendance at the incident.

Betteridge admitted having a drink, but denied being drunk. She refuted claims that she was stumbling, putting her movements down to clumsiness. She also claimed the stress of dealing with police had interfered with her speech.

Judge Greenfield accepted the account provided by the officers and found Betteridge guilty of the offence.

He told her: "I've seen the body-worn camera footage, which seems to show you were intoxicated. I've also listened to the officers, who say you were drunk that night."

After reading the probation report, the Judge commented: "You have got a lot on your plate."

Betteridge had no previous convictions, but even so the Judge considered the offence serious enough to impose a 12 month community order with a 3 month 8 pm - 8 am curfew requirement. She was also ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge.

As she prepared to leave the court Judge Greenfield told her: "I wish you well."