Probation for heroin baby woman

The case was heard at Edinburgh Sheriff Court

A woman has been placed on probation for two years after a baby girl in her care almost died from swallowing heroin and anti-depressant drugs.

The one-year-old was blue and lifeless when she was found at a flat in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, in November 2006.

She spent three days in intensive care before she recovered.

Margaret Williamson, 25, of Gracemount, earlier pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to failing to prevent the child from accessing the drugs.

Early signs

Paramedics arrived at the flat to find the child had "pin prick" pupils, a common occurrence in drug overdose.

They were told there had been heroin in the house she had stayed at and that one "wrap" was missing.

Toxicology reports showed that the child had swallowed a dangerous dose of the drug, along with anti-depressant drug Fluoxetine.

Doctors said the child could have died if paramedics had not recognised the early signs of an overdose and given her lifesaving medication.