The Gardaí were called to a shopping centre in the Cork town of Midleton yesterday after a couple left their newborn baby alone in the car in 24C heat.
The incident was recorded on a mobile phone by concerned local Shauna, who called RTE Radio 1’s Liveline show to explain why she decided to post the 19-second video online, where it was seen more than 250,000 times.
Speaking on air, the caller said she was sitting in her own car in the Market Green Shopping Centre when she saw a couple leave a nearby vehicle and walk towards the supermarket.
“I got out to have a look and saw there was the baby inside of the car seat and they were after walking off.” she said. “She was wide awake and she was a happy baby but still, it’s wrong to leave any baby in a car.
Concerned about the infant, Shauna decided to investigate:
“My car read 24C and I thought it was more than that, it was roasting.” she said. “The four windows were open a bit and I was able to put my hand in and open the door, but still wasps could have got in there or it would have been very easy to rob the child if you wanted to.”
Soon a crowd began to gather around the car and Gardaí were called to the scene. 20 minutes later, the parents returned.
“The father came out and was like relax, it’s okay.” continued Shauna. “When the mother realised the car door was open she ran over and said she only had to go in and change her shoes.”
With no Garda car available to attend the scene, the family were allowed to leave. Later, Shauna was contacted by the Gardaí and asked to remove the video from the internet.
Liveline listeners had mixed feelings on the incident. While some believed the parents put their baby in serious danger, others slammed the caller for being hysterical and causing a scene when the child’s parents were nearby.
You can listen to the call on Liveline here.
What would you have done in Shauna’s situation? Let us know on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.
