Coke addict who dumped terrified boy in woods is spared jail

Judge opts for non-custodial sentence after accused 'weaned herself' off drugs

- DAVE FINLAY

A DRUG addict who abandoned a frightened boy in a dark wood before sparking a major missing person search has avoided jail.

Ashley McGovern, 31, drove the nine-year-old into the countryside near her then home in East Lothian before leaving the child, who had a fear of the dark.

She then claimed he was missing, prompting a huge hunt involving 80 police officers, the force helicopter, mountain rescue and coastguard.

He was found 24 hours later with no shoes and socks after a dog walker heard him crying.

The traumatised victim was found to have suffered brain injuries and spent more than four months in hospital undergoing extensive rehabilitation.

Traces of cocaine and alcohol were discovered in his system, indicating he was exposed to the substances before being abandoned.