Man facing charges over abandoned child

A 36 year old Nelson man is facing charges of Abandoning a Child after Police tonight located a 20 month old child home alone.

Police carried out enquiries at a Nelson address following an earlier domestic incident and found the 20 month old child alone, asleep in the house.

The father was located a short time later, drinking in a city bar.

He is now facing a charges of Abandoning a Child and Common Assault and will be appearing in the Nelson District Court in the morning.

The child is being cared for by other family members and CYFS have been notified.

"Police are appalled by this persons lack of basic parenting skills and concern for the welfare of his young child" said Sergeant David LAUER.