Woman Abandons 9-Year-Old Boy in Woods, Claims He Went Missing

A 31-year-old woman abandoned a frightened nine-year-old boy in the woods and later attempted to hide her actions by claiming he had gone missing.

Ashley McGovern drove the child to a secluded area near her home in East Lothian and left him there in the dark. She fabricated a story that led to a massive search operation. Her lies mobilized authorities, including police, mountain rescue teams, and even the coastguard.

The boy, who endured a harrowing night in the woods, was discovered 24 hours later by a dog walker. He had no shoes or socks on and was found crying, deeply traumatized by the ordeal. The incident left him not only emotionally scarred but also suffering from severe physical injuries, including a brain injury.

Ashley McGovern at the High Court in Glasgow MIKE GIBBONS

Tests later revealed traces of cocaine and alcohol in the child’s system, indicating exposure before he was abandoned. McGovern was held accountable for her actions and faced criminal charges.

Appearing in Glasgow’s High Court, she pleaded guilty to a charge of wilfully neglecting the boy, causing him severe injury, permanent impairment, and putting his life in danger.

Initially, McGovern had also faced an accusation of attempted murder, which included allegations that the boy had been assaulted with a knife. Although she had been on bail, the judge ordered her into custody ahead of her sentencing, scheduled for next month.

On September 9, 2022, the boy had spent the day with McGovern and others. Witnesses described him as being in "good spirits" and acting like his "usual self", enjoying time with his friends.

Around 7 p.m., McGovern drove the boy into the countryside and parked near Brock Wood, close to the village of Spott. The area was dark as the sun had already set, with no light sources nearby. Heavy rain earlier in the day had left the woods muddy and treacherous.

Prosecutor Alan Cameron KC noted that the boy had a known fear of the dark, adding, "The boy was known to be afraid of the dark." McGovern abandoned the child in these conditions before driving away around 8 p.m.

Mr. Cameron explained: "She did not take the boy with her having left him in Brock Wood." The child, dressed only in a short-sleeved polo shirt and jogging bottoms, had no food or water. Despite abandoning him, McGovern sent a text to a man shortly after, asking if he had seen the boy.

Concerned, the man began searching for the child. Meanwhile, McGovern told her father that the boy was "missing". She falsely claimed she had dropped him off near a house to retrieve his bike, but he hadn’t returned.

A massive search effort was launched, involving 80 police officers, rescue teams, and helicopters. McGovern repeated her fabricated story to law enforcement, maintaining her lie as the hunt for the boy intensified.

The boy was finally found 24 hours later, at 7 p.m. on September 10. His cries for help were heard by a local resident, who followed the sound with his dog and discovered the child deep in the woods.

When found, the boy was still wearing the same clothes as the previous night but had no shoes or socks. He identified himself but appeared "extremely confused" and was unable to stand properly. Nearby, two pools of blood were found. Emergency responders transported him to the hospital by ambulance.

Doctors discovered injuries to his chest, neck, and a suspected ankle fracture. Tests also revealed a brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation. Mr. Cameron noted that his condition "deteriorated significantly", leading to seizures, vision problems, and involuntary limb movements.

The boy required extensive medical care, including the use of a wheelchair. The advocate depute stated: "During his time in hospital, he underwent extensive rehabilitation with assistance from physiotherapy, speech and language therapy as well as specialist neurology medical teams."

He remained hospitalized until January 26, 2023. Although his condition improved, he still suffers from permanent weakness on his right side. Doctors were initially puzzled by his brain injuries, but a specialist suggested they may have been caused by cocaine ingestion.

Urine tests taken shortly after his rescue confirmed the presence of cocaine and alcohol in his system, further implicating McGovern in exposing the boy to harmful substances.

Mr. Cameron explained: "The tests cannot distinguish between cocaine and crack cocaine." A hair sample taken on November 1, 2022, provided further evidence.

The prosecutor elaborated: "This was capable of providing an indication of exposure to drugs over a period beginning in late June 2022. It is not possible to say with any greater precision when that exposure was nor in what quantity. The findings were, however, consistent with exposure on more than one occasion. Also present was a substance (giving) a possible indication of exposure to crack cocaine."

However, when the boy was interviewed a year later, his account of events was described as "confused and contradictory", leaving gaps in the investigation about how he ended up in the woods and who was responsible.

The prosecutor noted: "He did not state that McGovern was responsible." McGovern had initially been arrested shortly after the boy’s discovery but was released. She was formally charged a week later, though she made no statements during questioning.

It was revealed that McGovern, who lived in Haddington, East Lothian, at the time, had a history of being a "heavy" cocaine user and owed money to local dealers. Defense advocate John Scullion stated: "She is certainly not someone who finds it easy to provide information. There have been issues in her life most notably her misuse of drugs. She has taken steps to address that problem."

The defense requested that McGovern remain out on bail until her sentencing.

However, Judge Lord Young denied the request, remanding her into custody. The case will continue on December 19 in Edinburgh.