Lanarkshire probe into death of 13-year-old girl to examine alleged social work failings
A probe into a teenage girl who died after her mum went to the pub is set to examine alleged social work failings. Robyn Goldie, 13, became unwell at her home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire[1], but rather than get her help, her mum Sharon Goldie went out drinking. Robyn had tried to get medical help the week before she passed away but was stopped by her mother.
Goldie later admitted[2] wilful ill treatment and neglect of her daughter between July 2017 and July 2018 and was jailed for three years and six months in October 2020. A fatal accident inquiry was ordered into the circumstances of the death. Sheriff Linda Nicolson told a preliminary hearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court that she wanted to know the decision making process behind not arranging a children’s hearing.
The sheriff said there had been ‘three occasions’ before Robyn died when the decision was taken not to arrange a hearing. A case review into the death last year by North Lanarkshire Child Protection Committee concluded social workers had shown a ‘lack of urgency’ over escalating problems at the family home. It also said they had put too much emphasis on trying to assist Robyn in ‘achieving her own safety’ rather than focusing on a lack of parental care.
The fatal accident inquiry will have a particular focus on interactions with social work services before her death. Goldie is set to take part in the probe but the court was told civil legal aid has not yet been granted and she did not attend the hearing. The court also heard from lawyers from North Lanarkshire Council, NHS[5] Lanarkshire and for the three social workers who had dealt with Robyn.
Sheriff Nicolson said: “I would like to examine what type of report was made, the nature of the report and the decision making which led to the decision on three occasions not to arrange a children’s hearing in this matter.” Join Glasgow Live’s Whatsapp Community here[6] and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. A further preliminary hearing was set for next month with the full inquiry set to get underway next year.
Police Scotland and the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration are considering whether they should be involved in the inquiry. Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) seeks to ensure children and young people are cared for and volunteer panel members can make legal decisions on behalf of youngsters to improve their lives. The High Court in Glasgow previously heard Robyn had developed peritonitis and then suffered a perforated duodenal ulcer.Goldie, of Wishaw, admitted failing to provide her with adequate food, clothing or heating, hitting her, and permitting her to smoke cannabis and drink alcohol.
She also pled guilty to exposing her to unhygienic living conditions including cat urine and cat faeces which led to her getting fleas.
Prosecutors accepted her not guilty plea to a charge of culpable homicide.
The court heard Goldie had claimed Robyn was ‘attention seeking’ despite being in agony and begging for help.
References
- ^ Lanarkshire (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ admitted (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ Three rushed to hospital after five-vehicle crash on M74 in Lanarkshire (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ Driver fell asleep at wheel on Rutherglen road and injured mum and young daughter (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ NHS (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ Glasgow Live’s Whatsapp Community here (chat.whatsapp.com)