I WAS horrified to read your story about the Widnes mum who got drunk and left her children home alone.

And worse still, that she only received a suspended sentence for it. I wouldn’t dream of leaving my children for any length of time in any circumstances.

This might be an extreme case and the woman in question obviously has some issues, but I have frequently seen parents leaving children in cars while they nip into the local shop for a loaf of bread. In my opinion, this is unacceptable.

Even if I go to the petrol station, I now only pay at the pump with the car windows wound down so I can make sure I am still in touching distance of them. Is it just me or am I being over protective?

Angry mum, Upton Rocks