I think I have been horribly unreasonable...and stupid.

[Roary1]

Just been in local Tesco and a woman with a 5 year old staggers in and acts very oddly. She was slurring her words and being over-friendly with customers and Tesco staff. Her son had bright pink hair. She walked past me and I was convinced I smelt the smell of fags, booze and BO wafting off her.
I phoned the police as I thought she was drunk in charge of a child.
I told the Tesco staff of my concerns and one worker said she was not drunk, just had mental health issues.
Feel horrible and guilty now. Poor woman.

Ooops. I killed the thread

Awfully sorry, please carry on discussing :)

Hi Lemon

Totally agree with the points you have there.

if you hadn't spoken up, who would have? you did the right thing.

I don't think you were unreasonable or stupid, you reported someone behaving as if they were under the influence of something while in charge of a child. It turned out she has mental issues, assuming she and her son are getting the support they need, no harm done, if she's not getting help and there is a situation then it's appropriate that the authorities are aware of that so they can provide assistance.

Absolutely agree, if someone has real concerns about a child they should be reported.

It's not something I have ever really discussed with anyone but I have contacted ss several times 3 times about the same child.

Every right thinking (ie sane) adult is IMO morally obliged to consider a child's welfare. If the parents are failing to do that who the fuck else is going to.
Like wanda said, the child would want you to!

I didn't know it was illegal to be drunk in charge of a child though, learn something new etc

Tesco staff are not qualified mental health professionals.

You saw someone acting as if they were drunk whilst in charge of a child. You did the right thing. Even if she only has mental health issues, it's probably better if she's on the radar, in case she needs support with her parenting.

I was in a similar situation once, seeing someone drunk late at night with a child in tow, and did not make the call - I was very young and stupid at the time, but it haunts me.

You did a very reasonable, right and responsible thing.

How is her sons hair colour relevant? Or is that the part where you were being judgy?

YANBU, you believed that you smelt booze so you were justified in calling te police.

Your other comments are . Why mention child's hair colour or that the woman smelt of BO and fags.

Some illnesses really make people look and act as though they are drunk so I am careful before 'judging'