A Hastings woman has been without her three children for two weeks since leaving them alone to go out drinking, a court was told.
Henrietta Isabel Nicholson, aged 29, pleaded guilty in the Hastings District Court to leaving a child under 14 without supervision and care. The incident occurred on November 29.
Defence counsel Tini Clark said Nicholson realised she should have made sure the children were being looked after. But she believed a co-accused had promised to take over the babysitting of the seven children involved, including her own, who were aged 3, 8 and 10.
The children were taken away that night and are in the care of other family members, supervised through Child, Youth and Family Services.
Ms Clark said Nicholson had sought help for alcohol issues and was attending a parenting course. She wanted her children back but needed to convince CYFS she was genuine.
"She accepts there is no excuse for leaving the children. She knows what needs to be done and has taken the steps so she can properly care for and support these children."
Judge Mark Perkins convicted Nicholson and ordered her to come up for sentencing if called upon within 12 months, saying that he was surprised such an offence carried only a fine.
He accepted her attempts to rehabilitate herself and said it seemed more appropriate for the court to "keep some kind of control" over Nicholson than fine her.
Nicholson was also fined $200 after being convicted of shoplifting.
Her co-accused, who faced two charges, is to appear tomorrow.
- NZPA
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from New Zealand
'The Effect' cast on new Auckland Theatre Company production
The Effect cast on the new Auckland Theatre Company production about love and sexual attraction. Video / Supplied