MICHELLE MEESON OF GOLBORNE SENTENCED FOR CHILD NEGLECT IN WIGAN

In September 2017, Michelle Meeson, a 41-year-old woman from Golborne near Wigan, was involved in an incident where she threw a knife at a nine-year-old boy and forced his head into a quilt, threatening to smother him in his sleep. A known drug addict and unemployed mother-of-four, all of her children are currently in care.

The incident occurred on July 28, 2016, after Meeson had been drinking vodka and swallowing amphetamines. Neighbors witnessed her shouting, swearing, and throwing chairs in her garden. Police were called to the scene when she was seen behaving erratically, sweating, and unable to speak properly.

According to the child, who cannot be publicly named due to legal restrictions, Meeson had 'properly beaten' him and left him with two black eyes. The boy had bruising around his neck from being grabbed and squeezed, and Meeson threw objects at him, including a knife that wasn’t a kitchen utensil.

During police interviews, the victim stated that his mother had pushed his face into a quilt while saying, "I am going to suffocate you in your sleep." He also described her as having thrown a remote control and the knife at him.

At Bolton Crown Court, Meeson admitted to child neglect but was given a 15-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. She claimed to have a 'very limited' memory of the events, citing her medication and drug use at the time.

Prosecutor Benjamin Lawrence noted, "She accepts the complainant's description of what happened, and the fact she had been taking prescribed medication and amphetamines which made it difficult to recollect events clearly."

Lawrence also described her intoxication during the incident, saying neighbors saw her behaving aggressively in her garden with significant physical symptoms. The child showed signs of physical abuse, including bruising and blisters.

The prosecution detailed that the child had bruises on his face and neck, red eyes, and blistered feet from ill-fitting shoes. He confirmed that his mother had thrown objects at him and hurt him physically.

Judge Elliot Knopf, passing sentence, stated, "The fact that you found yourself in difficult circumstances gives no justification for your behaviour. I am able to accept that you do feel remorseful for what you did. Due to the support from your partner and the significant fact that you have not been before the court for the last ten years, I feel able to suspend the sentence."