Scalding tap 'melted' OAP's skin

The case was being heard at the High Court in Glasgow

A woman has admitted leaving an elderly man in a bath as scalding water melted his skin.

The High Court in Glasgow was told Jacqueline Simpson, 41, from Camelon in Falkirk, eventually turned off the water before leaving the man's home.

Unable to get out of the bath, 67-year-old James Shanks was later rescued by firefighters.

Simpson, who was described as a former friend of Mr Shanks, will be sentenced later this month.

She admitted conducting herself in a culpable and reckless manner towards James Shanks by turning on the hot tap and leaving him immobile to his severe injury, permanent impairment and to the danger of his life.

The court was told that Simpson and Mr Shanks had been friends for a number of years.

She could see a whitish grey substance which had collected in the bath, but assumed this to be wet pieces of toilet paper. However, it appears that this may have been Mr Shanks' skin. Jock Thomson QC

However on 22 June last year, after Mr Shanks took a shower, he fell and became trapped in the bath with his legs hanging over the edge.

Simpson tried to pull him out but then turned on the hot water tap and laughed at him, the court was told.

This resulted in severe burns and blistering to his bottom.

Prosecutor Jock Thomson QC said that after leaving the house, Simpson telephoned Mr Shanks' social worker to say he was stuck in the bath.

When he did not answer his phone two social workers went to his home.

On arrival they went into the bathroom where they could hear Mr Shanks pleading for help.

'Wedged in'

Mr Thomson told the court: "One of the them entered the bathroom and saw Mr Shanks naked with his legs over the side of the bath.

"She could see a whitish grey substance which had collected in the bath, but assumed this to be wet pieces of toilet paper.

"However, it appears that this may have been Mr Shanks' skin.

"Attempts were made to get him out of the bath, however, he appeared to be wedged in and the fire service were called to assist."

Mr Shanks was treated at the burns unit at St John's Hospital, Livingston, where a consultant plastic surgeon was of the opinion that along with Mr Shanks' other medical problems there was a concern the injuries may prove fatal.

The court was told that his injuries had now healed but he requires the use of a wheelchair.

When Simpson was questioned by police she initially told them it was an accident, but admitted the water was too hot for her to touch.

When asked why she had laughed she said: "Devilment," and added they had been arguing that day.

Temporary judge Alastair Stewart QC deferred sentence for background reports.