Understand
Childminder Amanda Mathewson pleads guilty to child neglect after leaving 27 children alone in her Dunfermline home
Overview
Amanda Mathewson, a 55-year-old childminder from Dunfermline, has pleaded guilty at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court to wilful neglect and abandoning children in her care. Mathewson had 27 children inside her home—19 more than her licensed capacity—and left them unsupervised. Suspicious parents discovered unattended children screaming in the garden and inside the house, leading to a police investigation which revealed that leaving the children alone was commonplace.
Key points
- Amanda Mathewson pleaded guilty at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court to charges of child neglect and abandonment.
- She was caring for 27 children at her home, which was 19 more than her licensed limit of eight.
- Suspicion arose when two parents checked on their children during a school run and found them missing, leading them to Mathewson's house where they found crying and unattended children.
- Police investigation and doorbell footage confirmed children had been left alone multiple times, with Mathewson admitting they were left unsupervised for at least 30 minutes.
- Parents reported issues including children returning home hungry, thirsty, and in dirty nappies, and noted that Mathewson played loud music and barred entry at drop-off to conceal the oversubscription.
- Sheriff John MacRitchie deferred sentencing until 6 November for background reports, and Mathewson's bail was continued.