A woman has been sentenced after breaking a child’s collarbone by shoving her off a trampoline she did not want to share. Jamie-Lee Ferguson, 24, pushed the five-year-old girl from the edge of the raised trampoline, causing her to fall several feet to the ground below. The incident took place at a property in Perth, with Ferguson on the centre of the trampoline and the child outside the safety net. The child suffered a fractured collarbone and was taken to accident and emergency for treatment. Ferguson admitted to the charge of assaulting the youngster and was placed under social work supervision for six months by Sheriff William Gilchrist.
Fiscal depute Kate Scarborough described the incident at Perth Sheriff Court, highlighting that there was footage showing the child walking along the trampoline’s outer edge before being pushed off by Ferguson. The court heard that the child experienced pain the day after the incident and required a sling for support. Ferguson expressed regret for her actions, attributing the shove to high spirits and acknowledging that it was wrong. Despite claiming it was an accident, she accepted responsibility for the reckless behaviour that led to the child’s injury.
Defence solicitor Steve Lafferty emphasised Ferguson’s remorse and lack of understanding regarding the consequences of her actions. He mentioned her minimal criminal record and personal struggles as mitigating factors. The court took into account a background report recommending social work supervision as a suitable sentence for Ferguson. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behaviour, especially when interacting with vulnerable individuals like children.
This distressing incident underscores the need for vigilance and care when engaging in physical activities with others. As society, we must ensure the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable individuals at all times. Additionally, instances like this highlight the significance of seeking appropriate help and guidance to address any underlying personal challenges that may contribute to harmful behaviours. By promoting accountability and fostering a culture of respect and empathy, we can strive to prevent such unfortunate incidents from reoccurring in the future.