Drunk mum scratched and choked her daughter

Carlisle Crown Court heard how the woman, aged in her 30s, committed cruelty crimes against two children on separate dates late last year.

On one occasion she was seen arguing with a man after midnight. She was heard using inappropriate language - prompting passers-by to call police - before returning home “extremely drunk” without her daughter.

The youngster was reported missing and, after being found, told how she had hidden behind some bins because her mum shouted at her. When she reappeared her mum had gone, and she eventually slept at a family friend’s home.

While with police, she said her mother had pushed her.

A second incident involving the woman and the girl occurred a month later as they argued. She had long nails and scratched her daughter, the prosecution stated, and choked her using both hands on the neck of the youngster, who “nearly lost breath”.

The boy, meanwhile, also recalled a time when his mum had pulled, scratched and bit him although he suffered no injuries.

When interviewed, the woman - who cannot be named to protect the children’s identities - said she was “ashamed and sorry”, and didn’t believe she was drunk. She later admitted three offences of cruelty to a charge under 16.

‪During the court hearing at which she entered her guilty pleas, her barrister, Sarah Magill, had asked for the preparation of background information detailing recent positive progress. “She is doing well. She is no longer drinking,” Miss Magill had said.‬

The woman was sentenced on Monday after twice failing to attend court last week, prompting a warrant for her arrest to be issued.

The first of those hearings was postponed after it emerged the woman had mistakenly boarded a southbound train heading for Manchester instead going north to Carlisle. Four days later, she failed to attend on the rearranged date.

She was handed a 12-month community order by a judge. She must also complete a rehabilitation activity requirement, and 100 hours’ unpaid work.