A recent inquiry by a sheriff has revealed that a teenager who tragically lost her life while watching the TV show “Tipping Point” could have been saved if her mother had sought medical help. The incident took place in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, where 13-year-old Robyn Goldie passed away from a perforated stomach ulcer in July 2018. Despite Robyn’s pleas for assistance, her mother refused to take her to the hospital and prevented a neighbor from intervening.
Prior to her death, Robyn had been unwell, displaying symptoms like paleness and shivering. Investigations also uncovered that Robyn had been living in poor conditions, exposed to cat urine and feces, leading to her contracting fleas. Robyn’s mother had been convicted of neglect and ill-treatment in the period leading up to her daughter’s passing.
The fatal accident inquiry into Robyn’s death highlighted the inadequacies of the social work department of North Lanarkshire Council. The inquiry emphasized the need for child protection measures and early referral to the appropriate authorities. Sheriff Linda Nicolson, who presided over the inquiry, concluded that Robyn’s mother should have sought medical attention for her daughter, which could have prevented her tragic death.
While the sheriff found no systemic failures contributing to Robyn’s passing, she pointed out the lapses in the council’s social work policies and procedures that were not followed in Robyn’s case. The sheriff recommended improvements in the council’s work systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Following the inquiry, North Lanarkshire Council acknowledged the tragic loss of Robyn and the need for better compliance with work systems. The council has since implemented new measures to enhance information sharing and decision-making processes. Robyn’s mother, who admitted to mistreating her daughter, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison in October 2020.
The procurator fiscal overseeing the case emphasized the importance of the inquiry in addressing public concerns and ensuring a transparent review of the circumstances leading to Robyn’s death. Despite the tragic outcome, the family of Robyn has been provided with the sheriff’s determination, and efforts are being made to prevent similar incidents in the future.