Drunk boy's mother out drinking too

The mother of an Dargaville 11-year-old who was picked up drunk by the police was out drinking herself at the time and did not learn of the news until four days after a story was published about it.

Julianna Paniora said her son told her he drank two cans of a 9 per cent ready-to-drink bourbon while in the care of his 22-year-old cousin about 10 days ago.

A police patrol came across the group, which included the boy, two youths aged 15 and 16 and the 22-year-old man in River Rd.

They had allegedly been kicking boundary fences and acting in a disorderly manner.

Even though the Northern Advocate reported the boy's condition the following day, Ms Paniora only learned about it four days later, ahead of a visit by Child, Youth and Family social workers.

"He was with my sister Leslie so I didn't find out nothing because she didn't tell me," Ms Paniora said.

"I found out from another sister on Tuesday that CYF was coming to see me so on Wednesday we had a meeting. My boy was allowed to come home because I don't allow alcohol in the house."

Ms Paniora said she had been out drinking on the night involved and had left her boy with her sister.

"Friday night was the first night I had been out in months. I don't drink as much as I used to - now it is only once a month."

The Dargaville mother vowed to stop her son from getting hold of alcohol again.

"I want people to know I am a good mother. I am sick of people assuming things."

Constable Craig Curnow said police were still considering whether to charge the 22-year-old.

- APN