Infant children abandoned while mother parties

At 8.15 pm on Wednesday 19 May 2010 police were called to a WIRI address where a five year old boy and a three week old baby were found sleeping in a car parked in a driveway.

It was revealed that the children's mother was drinking at an address about 50 metres along the street where a party was in progress. The 26 year old mother was located in an extremely intoxicated state; to the extent she had to be assisted to walk back to her car. Enquiries at the party indicated that the woman had been drinking at the house since 3.30pm.

The woman was arrested on two charges of Abandoning a Child aged under 6 years and will be held in custody overnight to attend Manukau District Court tomorrow morning. These charges are laid under the Crimes Act 1961 and carry a maximum period of imprisonment of 7 years.

Child Youth and Family were called in by police. The children were found to be in good health. They are in the care of a foster family tonight. CYF's social workers will work with their Whanau tomorrow to arrange suitable on-going care.

"Police wish to praise neighbours who were sufficiently concerned for these children to ring us", said Officer in Charge Dave PIZZINI of Counties Manukau Crime Squad.