A Scottish couple who were responsible for hospitalizing a baby with traces of cocaine in his system have been spared jail. Yasmin Manzur, 27, and Connor McBride, 29, took care of the four-week-old boy at a property in Glasgow’s Pollokshaws. The baby was found unwell in the early hours of May 22, 2023, and was immediately taken to the hospital. Tests revealed the presence of cocaine in the baby’s urine, leading to a police investigation. Further investigation uncovered traces of cocaine on dummies found in the property’s kitchen and living room. Both Manzur and McBride pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to causing unnecessary suffering or injury to the baby’s health, with McBride also admitting to possession of cocaine.
At the sentencing, Sheriff Tony Kelly stated that imprisoning the couple would be “wholly disproportionate,” but emphasized that they were fully aware of the risks of exposing a baby to cocaine. The sheriff highlighted the couple’s incapability in safeguarding the vulnerable baby from the hazardous environment they created. The defendants were ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work each, placed under supervision for two years, and McBride received an additional five-month curfew from 7pm to 7am due to his criminal record.
The court heard that Manzur discovered the baby unwell at 4.30am and immediately called for an ambulance. Following the positive test for cocaine in the baby’s urine, the police were informed, and a search warrant was issued for the property, leading to the discovery of traces of cocaine on various surfaces including dummies. While Manzur claimed ignorance of the situation, McBride refused to cooperate without legal counsel. Both defendants were later arrested, with Manzur now residing in Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire, and McBride underlining the seriousness of the situation.
Defending Manzur, Gemma Elder highlighted the incident as out of character and stressed that her client has since gained employment. McBride’s lawyer, Garvey McArdle, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and McBride’s recognition of the seriousness of his actions. Despite the lack of long-term harm to the baby, the court emphasized the severe nature of the incident leading to the ruling. The couple’s sentence includes community service, supervision, and curfew for McBride.
In conclusion, the court’s decision to spare the couple from jail serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals, especially children, from harmful environments. The incident underscores the need for responsible caregiving and the severe consequences of exposing children to dangerous substances. This case serves as a reminder of the legal and moral obligations individuals have towards protecting those who are unable to protect themselves.