THE MOTHER of a four-month-old baby has admitted child neglect after a court was told the tot was found lying on its face next to an overturned pram.

Magistrates heard that Lucinda Jane Taylor, 19, of Princes Street, Blackburn, was nearby in a semi-conscious state through alcohol. There was a pool of her vomit found near the baby, who was lying on its front.

Taylor, who has now had the baby taken from her by social services, has been bailed and will be sentenced at a later date.

Blackburn Magistrates Court heard that staff at the housing scheme for single mothers where she was living were alerted by the baby’s incessant crying.

And police called to the scene said she was not in a fit state to look after herself or her baby.

She pleaded pleaded guilty to a charge of child neglect and was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Carl Gaffney, prosecuting, said the neighbour at the St Vincent’s Housing Association property could hear the baby crying at 2am on July 28.

"Babies can be expected to cry from time to time but this was noise that would not abate and was the noise of a distressed child," said Mr Gaffney. "Security were called and used a pass key to get in and found the baby in a very distressed state."

He said it looked like the pram had tipped over and the baby fallen out.

"The defendant was on a sofa in the living room and while her eyes were open they were rolled back," said Mr Gaffney. He said the flat was in good order and there was lots of baby equipment which was new and in good condition.

When she was interviewed by police Taylor could remember nothing of the incident but became distressed and emotional when told what had happened.

Damien Pickup, defending, said his client was deeply upset and ashamed of what had gone on. He said she had been to a barbecue with her baby and had drunk more than she should have done.

"When she got home she continued drinking and the next thing she knew she was being woken up by the police," said Mr Pickup. "When she was interviewed she said to the officers ‘I'm a bad mum’ but I don't think that is the case.

“This was an incredibly stupid and reckless blip. The incident came as a shock to staff at the housing association because they were so pleased with the progress she was making.”