Tobago mother told: Stay away from daughter, 7

A 39-year-old woman was ordered not to communicate with her seven-year-old daughter after she appeared before a Scarborough magistrate charged with child abandonment.

The order was made by magistrate Jo-Anne Connor, who also set bail for the woman at $50,000.

The mother will return to court on May 3.

Police said she was arrested on March 31 by the Tobago Division Child Protection Unit (CPU) after social workers went to her home.

It is alleged that at 2 pm that day, the child reportedly told the social workers her mother left her at home that morning, saying she was going to the bank. But police said when the social workers visited the home, the girl’s mother had not returned.

PC Mitchell of the Tobago Division CPU later arrested and charged the woman with cruelty to a child.

The investigation was supported by Supt Claire Guy-Alleyne, acting ASP Roberts, and Sgt Miller.