PERTHSHIRE WOMAN FOUND GUILTY OF ASSAULTING CHILDREN IN HER CARE
A 39-year-old woman has been found guilty of assaulting children in her care, including shoving one girl’s head into a sink filled with hot water and crockery.Jurors at Perth Sheriff Court convicted Danielle McKenna of five charges including child assault and neglect over more than ten years.
McKenna claimed she was caring for the children and that photographs showing the disorderly state of her care environment were taken "on a bad day." She further alleged that the witnesses and evidence accusing her of criminal behavior were all lying, but the jury rejected her claims.
She was guilty of multiple attacks on a girl starting at age four, hitting and punching her, striking her with a hairbrush, and attempting to force her head into a hot sink.
She was also guilty of neglecting four children by failing to maintain adequate living conditions, leaving mouldy food, crockery, piles of dirty laundry, and providing limited food, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
The court also found her guilty of attacking a second girl with a hairbrush and threatening or abusive behavior, including shouting, swearing, and making threats.
Sentencing was deferred for social work reports until December, and McKenna was released on bail.
