Courtney Stewart was investigated by police after posting a Facebook photo of a two-year-old boy with Down syndrome inside of a washing machine – with what appears to be her hand on the door.
While Courtney is a mother herself, it is reported that she was looking after this boy at the time of the photo.
The 21-year-old shared the photo on her social media account, posting a series of ‘laughter’ emojis in the caption. However, shortly after the picture was published, she received a call from police who were contacted by her shocked neighbours.
Courtney edited the post shortly after, writing: “Who phoned the police [and] said [the child] is being abused in this picture? For anybody that actually knows Caleb they’ll know he loves washing machines, so take a good look at your life first…trust no one.”
After being contacted by police, Courtney removed the photo, but has refused to apologise for posting it.
“He is clearly laughing in the pictures…What did they think I was doing to him? Taking him for a spin?” she told local media.
While she said she was shocked to find police on her doorstep last weekend, she admitted that the authorities were right to investigate the pictures.
Local police confirmed that they had paid the 21-year-old a visit, and that “advice was given” and “relevant child care checks were made”.
What are your thoughts on the actions of Courtney and her neighbours?
