MONTEGO BAY, St James — A neighbourhood was left shaken after two young children, aged three and six, were reportedly left home alone, sparking a fire that destroyed their family house.

Their mother, 41-year-old waitress Jodian Johnson, appeared in the St James Parish Court Wednesday charged with child neglect in connection with the incident.

Johnson allegedly left her children unattended on August 18, between approximately 9:00 am and 12:00 pm, without arranging for adult supervision. While alone, the children reportedly began playing with a lighter, igniting a fire that completely destroyed the dwelling.

Following the blaze, the investigating officer, accompanied by a colleague, placed the children in the care of their grandparents.

In court, presiding Judge Diahann Bernard asked whether the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) had been involved. The officer confirmed that contact had been made. The judge stressed the seriousness of the case, and that the children “ought to be in the custody of the State since Monday”. The case was temporarily stood down to allow the investigating officer to liaise with the agency.

Upon resumption, the court clerk noted that a formal report must be filed at the CPFSA office, and the investigating officer was asked to attend to ensure the children’s current living arrangement is suitable. The agency also requested that the children meet with them for counselling, given the trauma they experienced.

Johnson is represented by attorney Henry McCurdy, but his peer Maurice McCurdy appeared on his behalf on Wednesday. During bail submissions, McCurdy assured the court that Johnson “would not interfere with the kids” if granted bail. Judge Bernard, however, responded that bail could not be granted at this stage.

“There is nothing before the court to assure the court that there will be no interference. After the court is assured that the children are safe and the relevant agency has control over them, then I will consider bail,” the judge said.

McCurdy countered with the point that the prosecution could not specify how long it would take for the State to assume custody of the children.

“He [investigating officer] knows where the children are, so there should be no difficulty in locating them,” he said.

Judge Bernard ultimately remanded Johnson in custody and set the matter for August 28.