Drunk man who dangled baby from window of Govan flat avoids jail

A drunk man who dangled a 10 month old baby out of the window of a Govan flat has avoided jail.

Edward Mullen, 37, also had four other children under his care at his home in September 2022.

Topless Mullen was seen to sway from side to side at the window and there were fears that he would drop the child.

Mullen later tried to fend off officers trying to take the boy from him while the toddler's head was "extremely close" to a wall.

He had initially promised not to drink that day but went on to consume alcohol with a friend for a football match.

Mullen pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to culpable and reckless conduct.

He also admitted exposing the children to unnecessary suffering or neglect as well as behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

Sheriff Barry Divers tagged Mullen for seven months keeping him indoors between 7pm and 7am.

The court heard that Mullen agreed to take the five children on the basis that he would not drink.

A woman and a 14-year-old girl later attended outside the property and pressed the buzzer.

Prosecutor Emma Baker said: "Mullen appeared at the second floor window holding the 10 month old boy and dangled him out the window.

"The woman begged him to let her in as she thought that he would drop the boy.

"Mullen appeared heavily intoxicated swaying from side to side.

"The 14-year-old girl tried to reason with him to get in the flat and answer the door. Mullen became agitated."

The witnesses became alarmed and concerned due to Mullen's state of intoxication.

The police were contacted and officers found Mullen topless at the window holding the boy.

It was thought that Mullen would lose his balance.

He refused to co-operate with police and told them to "F*** off."

Officers were able to gain entry to the close and Mullen walked towards them while holding the boy. It was noted that he slurred his speech.

Mullen was asked to hand over the baby as he was going to be arrested.

He became agitated and told the officers to "F*** off."

Miss Baker said: "Mullen tried to push the officers away as the boy's head was extremely close to the wall."

Officers then were able to take the boy from Mullen's arms before he was arrested.

Mullen later added: "I know I'm steaming, I was drinking beers for the football, I would never put them in danger.

"I apologise for being a d***."

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