A mother has refused to apologise for putting her son who has Down's syndrome into a washing machine.

Courtney Stewart, 21, posted the photograph on Facebook showing an adult's hand holding the washing machine door shut with the toddler inside. Stewart said that the boy "loves the washing machine and we took a picture and it was a laugh."

She said that the boy, who is just two, and is small for his age, climbed into the machine of his own accord, and criticised those who reported her to police, calling it "absolutely ridiculous'.

"He is clearly laughing in the pictures. So I don't understand why somebody took that picture as -- well, I don't know what they took it as."What did they think I was doing to him? Taking him for a spin?


"He's got a bit of a washing obsession. Anyone who knows him would know he's got a washing obsession.


"I don't know who reported it. I don't really know why they would do that. I think it's absolutely ridiculous."


Stewart took down the photo from Facebook after she was reported to the police.


However, neighbours reported the incident to the police as they were concerned about the child's safety.  -- The Telegraph


The picture Courtney Stewart posted on Facebook.