Man was 'too drunk to care for toddler' at Norwich Riverside

Luke Rippingale, 41, was arrested at Riverside in Norwich after staff at Hollywood Bowl became concerned about his behaviour.

The venue’s manager called police after seeing him staggering with a pint in his hand while a two-year-old child in his care was left crying on the floor wearing no nappy.

Prosecutor Nicola Lamb told Norwich Magistrates’ Court: “He was staggering around and dribbling and he had left the child on the floor. He beckoned the child to him but she refused to leave and was upset.

Staff at Hollywood Bowl on Riverside in Norwich called police after becoming concerned (Image: Newsquest)

“The manager was so concerned that they called the police who took both him and the child into custody.”

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Rippingale, from Ely in Cambridgeshire, was so drunk that he had been refused entry to the Queen of Iceni pub, the court was told.

The MOT garage owner pleaded guilty to being drunk in charge of a child, following the incident on August 20.

Rippingale had been returning from visiting a friend in Great Yarmouth when he had decided to continue drinking while waiting for a connecting train.

Luke Rippingale leaving Norwich Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

“Very foolishly he had not waited at the train station,” she said. 

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“He was clearly under the influence at the time when he should have been looking after the child. There is absolutely nothing more he can say other than to apologise. He takes full responsibility.”

Ordering a pre-sentence review magistrates told him “all options” were open including custody.

The charges carries the possibility of one month’s imprisonment.

He was granted unconditional bail until he will be sentenced on December 6.