by Adeola Balogun

A woman is in trouble with the law after she gave a strong alcoholic drink to a 12-year-old girl who was staying at her home.

26-year-old Hazel Aitchison gave a bottle of vodka to her friend’s daughter during a sleepover.

Ms. Aitchison is facing charges of culpably and recklessly purchasing and providing alcohol for a minor and allowing it to be taken at her home.

Adrian Fraser, procurator fiscal depute, said the young girl had been in Aitchison’s care on July 26 2013 when Aitchison was given money to buy the alcohol.

He said: ‘She went to the shop and returned a short time later giving the young person a quarter bottle of vodka and some change.

 

‘She then allowed the alcohol to be consumed by the youngster in her charge.’

Elaine Lawlor, NHS Forth Valley’s alcohol and drug co-ordinator, said: ‘Research shows the earlier a young person begins to drink alcohol, the more likely they are to drink in ways that can be risky later in life.

Hazel Aitchison, 26, admitted giving the girl a quarter bottle of spirits at her house last July

 

‘Alcohol can put young people at serious risk of harm. Current scientific evidence states that an alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option.’

Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson, said: ‘It is extremely irresponsible for any adult to purchase alcohol for someone so young. Alcohol can cause serious damage to a young person’s health and these actions are simply unacceptable.’Aitchison

A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘Individuals aged over 18 should never purchase alcohol for those under the legal age and we will investigate all circumstances where it is suspected an adult has supplied youths with drink.

‘Retailers are also reminded to be vigilant for anyone attempting to proxy purchase and report any suspicions.’

Sheriff John Mundy deferred sentence for six months for Aitchison to be of good behaviour.