AN ISLE of Wight woman found drunk while in charge of a child, after Ryde McDonald's staff called police, has been sentenced.

Lauren Mooney, of Sandown, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, February 23.

The 27-year-old admitted being drunk while in charge of a child, in Ryde, on September 9 of last year.

The court heard Mooney had initially been offered a conditional caution but failed to attend alcohol rehabilitation courses on three occasions.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said the charge related to an incident at Ryde McDonald’s, and concerned staff alerted police.  

She said Mooney had a young child with her and was struggling to hold him in her state.

Ms Stone said Mooney had been fleeing domestic abuse, was extremely remorseful in police interview, and told officers she had been drinking with a friend earlier in the day.

Barry Arnett, defending, said Mooney had been in an abusive relationship for five years.

He said she had been speaking about it in the fast-food restaurant, and McDonald’s staff members contacted police over concerns for her.

He said she found herself in court for failing to comply with the terms of the conditional discharge because the letters had been sent to her previous address.

Mooney was made subject of a further six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £26 surcharge.