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by fleas, and her head contained ova and vermin. Ova and
vermin were also present in the hair on other specific dates
given in evidence.
Dr. Oates, the Deputy Medical Officer of Health,
deposed to having examined the child on various dates, and
had found ova and vermin continually present in the hair.
He was of opinion that the child had been neglected, and
that through such neglect unnecessary suffering had been
caused, with likely injury to the child's health.
Dr. Robert Milne, Medical Officer to Dr. Barnardo's
Homes, gave evidence on behalf of the Council, and
described the deleterious effect on a child's health as the
result of the condition in which the head of this child had
been continually found. A child's system would appear to
be poisoned, the child rapidly declines in health, and requires
special nourishment to enable it to throw off the miserable
condition. Even a slight degree of infection would have a
definite effect upon the health and happiness of the child.
Having heard the evidence of the other witnesses, Dr. Milne
expressed the opinion that the child, through the neglect of
the parents, had been caused unnecessary suffering and
injury to its health.
The parents of the child both denied, in evidence, the
charges that were made against them.
The Justices were of opinion that the case was a serious
one, but as it was the first of its kind that had been before
them, inflicted a penalty of and costs, and concurred
with the expression of the solicitor for the prosecution of the
hope that the case would be a warning to other parents.