A drunken Canterbury mum was found slumped in a paddling pool...surrounded by tipsy teenagers, an empty whiskey bottle and her own crying two-year-old child.

The identity of the 35-year-old cannot be revealed because of a court order – to protect the infant who is now in care.

But we can reveal that in the past the woman was given A suspended jail sentence for charges of child neglect.

At the time the child was placed in foster care...but later handed back to the mum.

Her lawyer told the court: “A decision was taken by the local authority to return the child. With the benefit of hindsight one wonders if that decision was well-founded.”

Canterbury Crown Court heard how neighbours had complained about the noise coming from the garden for 24 hours in June last year.

And when they arrived, they discovered her face down in a large paddling pool next to an empty bottle of booze.

Now a judge at Canterbury Crown Court has jailed her for seven months for child neglect – but ruled the woman couldn’t be identified to protect the child who is now in care.

Prosecutor Fran Lawson told the court how on June 6 last year the mum was in charge of her child at her home.

“A neighbour came round to complain about the noise which had emanated from the address over the previous 24 hours.

“The defendant was found lying unconscious, face down in a large paddling pool. The two year old was found standing in the pool screaming.

“Also in attendance were a number of children and teenagers, some of whom appeared to be drunk and none of whom were taking care of the child.”

The prosecutor added that an empty bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey was lying on the grass nearby.

"You were found slumped in the pool and your child was in danger and could have fallen into the water" - Judge

The mother was pulled from the pool where she had vomited and continued to spew up.

Ms Lawson added: “It was clear that she was highly intoxicated!”

The court heard the child has since been returned to care.

Phil Rowley, defending, said the mother had “a history of inappropriate use of alcohol and drugs and a history of relationships with men which are abusive in nature.”

He added: “She presents herself as a deeply inadequate individual and advantage taken of her by men. She has sought refuge in drink and it got out of control.

“She is now anxious, worried and scared.”

The judge jailed her for seven months telling her that the drink and drug problems revealed she was unable to care for her child because she had not got to the point of tackling her issues.

“You were found slumped in the pool and your child was in danger and could have fallen into the water. There were also other drunk teenagers who therefore couldn’t have supervised the child.

“My duty is clear – only a sentence of jail is justified. I just hope you find the resolve to tackle your problems once and for all time to rid yourself of these addictions.”