GAZETTE & HERALD: THE family who left their sleeping baby in the care of his alcoholic great-uncle Robert Isaac say they will never forgive him for abandoning their child.

Mother Tracy Bridgeman, 20, says she will never let Isaac back into her home or near her children again after he stole the family's cash and deserted his 10-month-old nephew Oliver before disappearing on a spending spree.

Isaac, 39, of Neston Crescent, in Corsham, pleaded guilty to theft, cruelty to a child, drink driving and driving whilst disqualified at Chippenham Magistrates Court on January 5. He was put on curfew and given an 18 month community rehabilitation order on Tuesday.

Prosecuting, Rhys Davies said the baby's father, Aron Bridgeman, 21, was aware of Isaac's drink problems, but his uncle was a welcome guest and often came round to help with odd jobs and baby-sit.

In December Mrs Bridgeman arranged to meet a loan advisor at her home, because she wanted some extra cash to help cover the expense of Christmas. Isaac was in the house during the meeting and saw the £500 cash loan taken upstairs and hidden.

The court heard that Isaac stayed the night and spent the next day helping to decorate, while the children and their mother went out.

When Mrs Bridgeman returned she received a telephone call from her aunt saying she was unwell. Mr Davies said the family decided to pay a brief visit to their aunt, leaving their baby, who was asleep upstairs, in Isaac's care.

But the magistrates heard that once Isaac was alone he went upstairs and stole £490 cash, which was hidden in a bedroom, before leaving the house and the baby and going on a spending spree.

The family returned shortly afterwards and contacted the police.

Six days later Isaac was arrested and in his interview with the police admitted stealing the cash and blowing it on a car, cigarettes and alcohol.