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Devon social workers 'left son home alone' | Devon social workers 'left son home alone' |
(about 17 hours later) | |
Social workers left their son who has learning difficulties home on his own as they went to London, a court heard. | Social workers left their son who has learning difficulties home on his own as they went to London, a court heard. |
The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was found lying on the sofa at home by police in July 2015, Exeter magistrates were told. | The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was found lying on the sofa at home by police in July 2015, Exeter magistrates were told. |
The Devon couple admitted neglecting the 10-year-old boy, who has the abilities of a seven year old. | The Devon couple admitted neglecting the 10-year-old boy, who has the abilities of a seven year old. |
They were sentenced to a 12 month community order to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. | They were sentenced to a 12 month community order to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. |
More on the 'home alone' story, plus more Devon and Cornwall news | More on the 'home alone' story, plus more Devon and Cornwall news |
'Asking for mummy' | 'Asking for mummy' |
The court heard police officers said the house was clean and there was plenty of food left for him to eat. | The court heard police officers said the house was clean and there was plenty of food left for him to eat. |
But, the child started crying and repeatedly asking "for his mummy". | But, the child started crying and repeatedly asking "for his mummy". |
He was later taken into temporary care and now splits his time between his mother and stepfather, who have since separated, the court was told. | He was later taken into temporary care and now splits his time between his mother and stepfather, who have since separated, the court was told. |
Both have lost their jobs and are having to sell their house, magistrates heard. | Both have lost their jobs and are having to sell their house, magistrates heard. |
Caroline Salvatore, for the couple, both aged 50, said the boy's mother had been taking medication to London for her mother, who was flying out of the country. | Caroline Salvatore, for the couple, both aged 50, said the boy's mother had been taking medication to London for her mother, who was flying out of the country. |
She said his stepfather was going to make a five hour return trip and was not staying the night in London. | She said his stepfather was going to make a five hour return trip and was not staying the night in London. |
They did not consider taking the boy with them because he would be too "tired the next day", she said. | |
Miss Salvatore said: "One bad misjudgement affected all their lives. They have been punished quite severely for this error of judgement." | Miss Salvatore said: "One bad misjudgement affected all their lives. They have been punished quite severely for this error of judgement." |
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