iStockA toddler was found with two packets of drugs in her pocket at a nursery.
The two-year-old girl was discovered with diazepam and cocaine by staff at the nursery in Glasgow’s southside on May 27, 2025.
The child was dropped off by George Robertson, 37, of Paisley, Renfrewshire, who was caring for her at the time.
Glasgow Sheriff Court heard the child was then given a dummy by a member of staff.
Prosecutor Jason Black said: “On doing so, the member of staff observed a small bag of white powder to fall from her jacket.
“The package was seen to be diazepam and the police were contacted.”
Mr Black stated that a separate packet of cocaine was also recovered from the jacket.
Officers later smelled cannabis on the child’s bag.
This led to a search of Robertson’s home and found the property to be tidy and properly furnished.
However, the court was told that there was little food and no electricity.
Robertson was quizzed by police where he stated that he does not take diazepam and had never found drugs in the jacket before.
He stated that another “individual” who had contact with the child may have taken the drug.
The hearing was earlier told that a six-month-old baby was also in Robertson’s care in April 2025.
The child was found by a witness to have “friction burn” and was taken to the Royal Hospital for Children.
The child was found to have a string of issues, such as dirty and long nails, and severe nappy rash with no evidence of treatment for it.
The baby was also found to have dry skin and scabs on the body.
Robertson pleaded guilty to two charges of wilfully exposing the children in a manner to cause them unnecessary suffering or injury to health.
Graham Bryson, defending, told Wednesday’s sentencing: “He is of the belief that the drugs found in the baby’s jacket came from the other individual.
“He acknowledges, knowing the other individual’s drug problems, he should have checked the jacket but he did not.
“His background report narrates that he did have a lot of problems and difficulties at the time.
“He says he does not take either of those drugs.”
Sheriff Anna Reid ordered Robertson to do 160 hours of unpaid work and put him under supervision for 12 months.
The sheriff said: “These offences are extremely serious.
“She was extremely fortunate that the nursery workers found what they did in her jacket.
“I am satisfied there is a community disposal available which is a direct alternative to custody.”
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