GORDON CURRIE and CAROLYN CHURCHILL
It all came down to the classic dilemma of who knows best for the children and how many sweets are bad for you.
Add in the family divide between a grandmother and a determined single mother and it was almost certain to end up in confrontation.
The drama was played out in a bizarre civil action which also included allegations that Elsie Melville had called in the SSPCA to her daughter's home because of concerns about her two dogs.
However, yesterday a sheriff ordered Donna Melville to allow her mother the right to see her four grandchildren for two hours every month - provided gran does not give them sweets.
Mrs Melville, who is disabled, said she was "ecstatic" about the decision. "I am very happy that I am going to see them," she said.
Ms Melville, 36, cut off her mother's contact with Natasha, 10, Kimberley, nine, Brandon, six, and Ryan, two, in March 2006.
She said the incident with the SSPCA was the "final straw" and complained that Mrs Melville, 59, was "domineering and interfering".
Mrs Melville was accused of taking two carrier bags of sweets to the children. The two oldest children had suffered dental problems and had had teeth removed.
Last night Ms Melville said: "I felt I made the right decision and I stand by that.
"I did what I thought was right by my kids for their physical and mental health. Feeding them fizzy drinks and sweets whenever my back was turned wasn't doing their health any good.
"I don't wish her any harm. I am just doing the best I can."
During the hearing at Perth Sheriff Court, Mrs Melville said that she would stop giving the children sweets if she was allowed to see them again.
In his written judgment, Sheriff Daniel Kelly, QC, said: "The dental health of the children is undoubtedly important, but I regard it as significant that the pursuer has given an undertaking not to give them sweets during contact.
"I am fully satisfied it would be in the children's best interests to continue to see their grandmother.
"The pursuer is a caring grandmother and would be able to offer the children emotional warmth and affection as they grow older.
"The children would benefit from contact with the pursuer, especially emotionally. However, such contact should not involve an over-indulgence in the provision of confectionery, nor disparaging or interfering remarks by the pursuer."
He said the children's mother looked after them "admirably".
Last night Mrs Melville said: "I don't know why she was going on so much about sweets - that's what grans are for.
"I want the kids to see that I love them. I'm going to make them sandwiches and yoghurt when they come round."
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