A MALVERN mother gave a diazepam tablet to her nine-year old son to calm him down, Worcester Magistrates heard.

The 32-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested after the boy, who also cannot be named, complained to social services.

The woman appeared before the city's magistrates court yesterday charged with supplying a class C drug.

Prosecuting, Alex Warren said social services were involved with the defendant's family and made regular visits.

He said social services had visited the family home on Thursday, April 17 and found the boy to be angry.

"The boy made a complaint to them saying he had had an argument with his mum the previous day and he had been sent to his room," he said.

"When he was in his bedroom his mum and her partner came into the room and insisted he take a diazepam tablet, insisting it would calm him down. He said it made him feel dizzy and sick."

When questioned by police, the mum claimed her son had been prescribed the tablet, but later admitted this was not the case, saying it was her partner's idea to give him it, the court heard.

Mr Warren said the boy told police it had not been the first time he had been given the drug by his mother.

Defending, Edward Gaynor-Smith said his client had made a full admission and co-operated with the police.

"She is deeply remorseful for what she has done," he said. "Her son is now back living with her and the relationship between them is much better.

"I think the fact social services is allowing her son to go back to live with her proves that."

The woman was given a community rehabilitation order on the condition she continued to co-operate with social services and the mental health service and attend a women's health programme for 12 months.