Kid in a cage abuser 'had to flee home'

Woman has partner in crime removed from court after escaping his violence

- RORY CASSIDY

A WOMAN who kept a toddler in a cage claims she had to flee her home after her partner in crime turned on her.

Serial child abuser Claire Boyle says she had to move to escape partner Timothy Johnstone, after they were spared jail for child neglect.

Boyle, 36, made the claims through defence solicitor Brian Holliman during a hearing at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.

When she pled guilty to breaking bail conditions and assaulting a police officer, Mr Holliman asked for Johnstone to be locked out of the court.

He said: There is an individual outside. She is the victim of him and is fleeing domestic violence.