I Nearly Lost Custody Over A Silly Mistake

Jackie Lilley of Maldon Essex nearly lost custody of her little boy Brayli for one silly mistake.

Brayli aged 21 months had just been picked up from nursery by his mother Jackie, 24.
Brayli was tired and cranky but Jackie still had errands to run, the tired toddler had fallen asleep in his car seat.

Jackie had to pick up Her medication from the local pharmacy before it closed.
Jackie made a big mistake she decided to leave Brayli asleep in his car seat and run into the pharmacy, after all she would only be gone for a matter of minutes.

Jackie knew he could come to no harm, he was in plain sight, strapped in his car seat and fast asleep and it was not a hot day.

Little did she know a PCO was walking past and spotted the child, he jotted down her number plate and searched for the mother whilst radioing into report it.

Jackie pleaded her case to the community officer and after giving him her details she was able to leave, still in shock she drove home.

Jackie thought that was the end of it, but social services called, to check up on the welfare of Brayli, she was asked multiple questions and felt scared, she was warned not to leave her child alone in the car even for a minute.

Although there is no written law stating what age a child can be left alone if those in power deem it unsafe or neglectful you run the risk of losing your child.

Jackie wants to warn other parents to never leave their child in the car, even though it can be a hassle to unbuckle them or have grumpy children or temper tantrums, it is not worth the risk of losing your child or being in big trouble.