Woman who scalded OAP avoids jail

The court heard how firefighters had to get Mr Shanks out of the bath

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

Jacqueline Simpson, 41, from Camelon in Falkirk, was given 18 months probation by Judge Alistair Stewart QC at the High Court in Glasgow.

She was also ordered not to drink alcohol during the course of the probation.

Earlier this month, carer Simpson admitted leaving pensioner James Shanks under a scalding tap at his home.

No alcohol

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

Judge Stewart said it was "with hesitation" that the accused was being put on probation.

The judge went on: "In this case, there will be a specific condition that you don't drink alcohol during the period of probation.

"If you breach this then there will be no alternative and you will go to prison. That period of imprisonment would be more than a year. It is up to you. Help is available."

Simpson, who was described as a former friend of Mr Shanks, was convicted of conducting herself in a culpable and reckless manner towards Mr Shanks by turning on the hot tap and leaving him immobile to his severe injury, permanent impairment and to the danger of his life at A hearing on 7 November.