KEY POINTS:
A mother whose 16-month-old boy was found alone in a Kaikoura front yard in the early hours of yesterday morning is likely to face charges, police said.
The upset toddler was found in the yard of a business address on Beach Rd by members of the public about 2.45am.
His distressed mother contacted police about 4am and admitted leaving the child unattended in a house for about four hours while she went out socialising. During this time, the boy woke up and wandered out of the property.
The woman had been helping police with the investigation, which was not a simple matter as it involved several agencies, said Constable Willy Squires.
"At this stage it's probably too early to tell yet what's going to happen, but it is likely that some charges will follow," he said.
Child, Youth and Family had placed the boy in care, Mr Squires said. "He's not going to be returned to the mother in the foreseeable near future."
The mother was from the North Island, but she would remain in Kaikoura where she had family while the matter was sorted out, he said.
The boy was checked at the Kaikoura Medical Centre after he was found and was deemed to be in good health.
- NZPA
