AN INVERKEITHING man passed out when drunk and left the child he was supposed to be looking after unattended in a public place.

A passer-by had to go to the three-year-old’s assistance.

As a result, Thomas Mark, 43, of Whinnyhill Crescent, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on December 9, 2020, at Whinnyhill Crescent, he neglected a child, then aged three, by consuming so much alcohol that he passed out drunk and left it unattended in a public place.

The court was told a passer-by had to intervene because of the neglect.

Defence solicitor Alan Davie said: “He knows there’s no excuse for this type of behaviour. He’s demonstrated remorse.

“Alcohol misuse remains a feature but he has more control over it now than he did in 2020 when this incident took place.”

Sheriff Susan Duff told Mark: “From the social work report, I can see you feel absolutely terrible about this and feel guilt about what could have happened.”

She deferred sentence on Mark until March 29 for good behaviour and to monitor his progress on a community payback order imposed for another matter.