A British photographer has been left “broke” after spending her life savings in a battle against her ex-girlfriend to win sole custody of her adopted son, a court has heard.

Circe Hamilton adopted Abush, now six, from Ethiopia in 2011.

She had split up with Kelly Gunn in 2009, but the pair remained close, and Ms Gunn took an active part in Abush’s life.

This summer, however, Ms Hamilton, 44, announced she wanted to move back to London with Abush.