A “smirking” paedophile has been warned to expect a prison sentence after he admitted sexually abusing two girls in Airdrie and Coatbridge.
Airdrie Sheriff Court heard the victims have suffered mental health problems since being targeted by Gerald O’Hare in the 1980s and 90s.
The 58-year-old admitted two charges of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour.
He exposed himself and performed a sex act in front of the first victim on various occasions between 1982 and 1985.
O’Hare behaved in a similar manner towards the second girl on a regular basis between dates in 1995 and the following year. He also touched her inappropriately.
Sarah Healing, prosecuting, said both victims told police that O’Hare would “smirk” at them while carrying out the indecent acts.
The second female said she felt “extremely scared” of him.
Ms Healing told the court: “As a result of the sexual abuse, she has battled with her mental health.
“She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder five years ago.
“The woman reported it to the police in June last year.
“The first victim, who suffered from depression and anxiety, heard she was reporting the historical abuse and decided to tell the police what had happened to her.”
O’Hare, previously of Airdrie and Coatbridge, now lives in Dumfries.
Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports and he was placed on the sex offenders’ register.
Sheriff Paul Haran told O’Hare: “With some hesitation, I’ll allow your bail to continue, but custody is uppermost in my mind.”
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.