I’m still in love with boyfriend who is accused of killing our baby but I’m not trying to protect him
Mum denies teen partner struck blow that proved fatal
A WOMAN has denied trying to protect the teenager charged with killing their baby son. Katie Strawhorn told police boyfriend Jack Butterworth had never assaulted her. Yesterday she admitted still being “in love” with the 18-year-old – but refuted claims she was “putting the truth to one side” to help him. Butterworth is accused of the culpable homicide of baby Lucas last November. Prosecutors claim he assaulted Katie and that she suffered a “placental abruption” resulting in the boy being born by emergency caesarean. The child was said to have been so severely injured that he died five days later in hospital. Katie was in the witness box for a third day at the High Court in Glasgow. Butterworth is accused attacking Katie, 20, at properties in Kilmarnock on November 3. She earlier told jurors Butterworth “went to hit her on the back”, but struck her bump as she turned to face him.
Katie was quizzed by Butterworth’s QC Gary Allan about a statement given to police.
In it, she said her teen lover has “never assaulted me”.
The ex-barber added she would “say if he had”.
Mr Allan asked: “Do you think he tried to strike your bump?” Katie replied: “Not at all.” She also insisted Butterworth did not kick her in the stomach – a claim made by prosecutors.
Katie later agreed with advocate depute Ashley Edwards QC that she wanted to continue a relationship with Butterworth.
Miss Edwards asked: “You are still in love with him?” Katie replied: “Yes.” The prosecutor went on to ask: “You are prepared to put the truth to one side to protect Jack Butterworth?” Katie said: “No.” Miss Edwards asked: “Are you here to minimise his involvement?” She replied: “No.” Butterworth faces a separate charge of assaulting Katie between January and November last year.
This includes a claim he threw firecrackers at her as well as punching and kicking her.
A further charge claims he behaved in a threatening manner towards her and another woman.
Prosecutors allege – among other accusations – that he broke wardrobe mirrors and threw furniture.
He denies the charges and the trial before Judge Lord Ericht continues.