Woman shut children in tiny cupboard

A WOMAN who put three abused children in a tiny cupboard to "keep them safe" has walked free from court.

Elaine Robertson prevented the two boys and a girl from getting out after they had been subjected to a horrific ordeal at the hands of her partner Gary Marinello.

The torture - which happened over a weekend in February and March last year in Edinburgh - included them being tied to a radiator and slapped with a shoe as well as the young girl getting her nose burnt.

Robertson, 37, of Cupar, Fife, yesterday returned to the dock after admitting to charges of assault, neglect and failing to get medical attention.

Judge Lord Tyre put her on two years' probation at the High Court in Glasgow after he told her it was "not necessary" to impose a jail-term.

The 37 year-old charity shop worker was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of community service.

The judge said: "This is an opportunity you have been given to be provided with the help that you need.

Marinello, 32, died in June of a drugs overdose while awaiting trial.