Carstairs patient in dock

Motherwell man Peter Foster (48) was back in the dock at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week. He admitted using lewd and indecent practices toward two girls at a house in the North Motherwell area between 1987 and 1994.

The first victim was just six when the abuse against her started and the other girl was five.

Foster was sent to Carstairs in 2001 after incidents near his home. He admitted exposing himself to boys and trying to lure them into his garden by offering them crisps.

He also admitted frightening girls aged 10 and 11 at a park near his home, making indecent remarks, following them and touching one girl.

His solicitor told the court Foster has been in the State Hospital since being detained in 2001. The latest charges came to light after he applied to a mental health tribunal to be allowed to leave Carstairs.

The lawyeer explained: “The application process involved the police and they discovered there might be further, historic matters outstanding.”

Lauren McRobert, prosecuting, said Foser had a psychotic illness and a psychiarist warned he poses a “long-term risk” to the public.

Sheriff Ray Small deferred sentence for medical reports.