A tragic incident involving a schoolgirl named Robyn has come to light during a court hearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court. The court learned that 13-year-old Robyn passed away while watching the TV show “Tipping Point” as her mother, Sharon Goldie, went to a pub for drinking. Goldie, aged 49, reportedly refused to take Robyn to the hospital as she thought her daughter was exaggerating her symptoms of what she believed to be a mere stomach bug. The fatal accident inquiry heard that Goldie left Robyn alone at their Wishaw home while she went out for drinks.
Upon returning home, Goldie found Robyn unresponsive on the sofa. A friend of Goldie’s, Jim Duffy, who was present at the scene, discovered that Robyn was not breathing and had already passed away when he checked on her. Goldie mentioned during the inquiry that she left Robyn watching her favourite show, “Tipping Point,” believing that her daughter was improving and did not require hospital care. Goldie stated that she locked the door behind her before leaving.
Goldie, from Kilsyth, was previously sentenced to three years and six months in prison in 2020 for willful ill-treatment and neglect towards Robyn between July 2017 and July 2018. She admitted to failing in providing Robyn with adequate essentials like food, clothing, and heating, physically abusing her, allowing her to consume cannabis and alcohol, and subjecting her to unhygienic living conditions.
The inquiry also addressed an incident where Goldie allegedly discouraged Robyn from reporting an alleged rape, fearing that it would lead to medical examinations and legal proceedings. The Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain KC, ordered the inquiry due to the serious concerns raised by the circumstances surrounding Robyn’s tragic passing. The investigation is ongoing under the supervision of Sheriff Linda Nicolson.
The details emerging from this case have sparked shock and dismay, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable individuals, especially children, within our society. The tragic loss of Robyn serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for vigilance and care in protecting those who may be unable to advocate for themselves.