PURE EVIL

>> Child driven to countryside & abandoned in woods >> Traumatised 9-year-old suffers permanent injuries

- GRANT MCCABE

CALLOUS Ashley McGovern tried to cover her tracks by claiming a nine-year-old boy she abandoned in woods in the dark had gone missing.

The cocaine abuser drove to the countryside near her then home in East Lothian where she left the youngster, who was afraid of the dark.

The 31-year-old rang police to report him missing, sparking a huge search.

He was only discovered 24 hours later with no shoes and socks when a dog walker heard him crying. The victim was left badly affected by his ordeal including suffering from brain injuries.

There was evidence of cocaine and alcohol in his system, having been exposed to them before being driven to the woods.

McGovern appeared in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday. The first offender pled guilty to a charge of wilfully neglecting the boy to his severe injury, permanent impairment and to the danger of his life.

McGovern had been accused of attempted murder, including claims the boy had been repeatedly struck on the neck and body with a knife.

She had been on bail but was remanded in custody pending sentencing next month.

The boy had spent September 9, 2022, in the company of others, including McGovern. He was described as being in "good spirits" and was his "usual self" as he played with friends.