Mum refuses to apologise after sharing photo of Down Syndrome child in washing machine
A mum who posted a picture of a young boy with Down’s Syndrome inside a washing machine has refused to apologise after she was questioned by police.
Courtney Stewart, 21, posted the picture of the boy - who she was looking after at the time - on her Facebook page.
But the young mum was later questioned by police after they were informed of the picture - and she claims she was also attacked on her doorstep.
After questioning, Stewart refused to apologise for the image, which she branded “a laugh”.
She told the Daily Record: “He loves the washing machine. We took a picture and it was a laugh.”
Stewart said that the boy was “clearly laughing” in the picture and blasted the people who reported her to the police.
She added: “What did they think I was doing to him? Taking him for a spin?
“He’s got a bit of a washing obsession. Anyone who knows him would know he’s got a washing obsession.
“I don’t know who reported it. I don’t really know why they would do that. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.
“They shouldn’t be able to call the police anonymously.
“The police know who it was and I don’t think it’s at all fair that they can’t tell me.”
One anonymous person described the picture as “terrible to look at”.
They said: “For anyone, let alone someone who is also a parent, to take a picture like that and stick it on Facebook for a laugh is unbelievable.
“It’s no wonder people are angry about it.
“People in the town have been talking about it, because anyone who has seen it has been left shocked.”
A police spokeswoman confirmed they had questioned Stewart, adding: “Advice was given. Relevant child care checks were made.”
Stewart, who insisted the washing machine was unplugged, claims that a woman called her a “f****** nutter” on her doorstep.
A 42-year-old woman was later arrested over the alleged assault.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said they were “vigilant on any issue which could potentially affect the welfare of a child”.
