Drug addict abandoned nine-year-old boy in the woods for 24 hours

A drug addict abandoned a terrified boy in desolate woods – then tried to cover her tracks by claiming the child had gone missing.

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.

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. 

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.

Prosecutor Alan Cameron, KC, said the sun had set when the boy was abandoned on September 9, 2022. He added: ‘The boy was known to be afraid of the dark.’

McGovern later told her father the youngster was ‘missing’ and a ‘significant search operation’ was launched.

The court heard she had been a ‘heavy’ cocaine user.

John Scullion, KC, defending, said: ‘There have been issues in her life, notably her misuse of drugs. She has taken steps to address that problem.’

He asked for McGovern, latterly of Haddington, East Lothian, to remain on bail ahead of sentencing but Lord Young remanded her in custody ahead of sentencing on December 19.