A drug addict abandoned a terrified boy in desolate woods – then tried to cover her tracks by claiming the child had gone missing.
HOW IT HAPPENED
‘Callous’ Ashley McGovern drove the nine-year-old to the dark countryside near her then home in East Lothian, and left the youngster to his fate.
A major search operation involving 80 police officers, the force helicopter plus mountain rescue and coastguard teams was launched after the 31-year-old lied that the boy had vanished while picking up his bike.
HOW HE WAS FOUND
He was only discovered 24 hours later with no shoes and socks on when a dog walker happened to hear him crying.
The victim was badly affected by his ordeal, including suffering from brain injuries.
Evidence of cocaine and alcohol in his system suggested he had been exposed to the substances before being taken to the woods.
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COURT HEARD
The High Court in Glasgow heard he had to spent more than four months in hospital having extensive rehabilitation and is likely to have permanent weakness on his right-hand side.
McGovern yesterday pleaded guilty to a charge of wilfully neglecting the boy to his severe injury, permanent impairment and to the danger of his life.
She had initially faced an attempted murder charge which included claims he had been repeatedly struck on the neck and body with a knife.
At the moment, she is remanded her in custody ahead of sentencing on December 19.
