A CLYDEBANK repeat sex offender crept into a woman’s bedroom while she was asleep beside her boyfriend and sexually assaulted her.

Christopher Torrance was put on the sex offenders register in 2015 and was to remain on it until 2022 – but he offended again in 2016.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard last Tuesday how the 35-year-old pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 29-year-old woman by touching her private parts.

Torrance, whose address was given as Barlinnie Prison, committed the offence between July 1 and August 31, 2016, at a flat in John Knox Street.

Read more: Benefits investigator tells Margaret Fleming murder trial she flagged up worries about her four years ago

Prosecutor Kevin Doherty told the court: “He appeared at this court in private on June 20, 2018. Bail was refused and he was remanded in custody.

"He is a registered sex offender and is on the register until January 12, 2022, following a conviction from Clydebank in 2015. He had been at the flat, having been invited there for drinks.

“They had been playing computer games until 2am. The woman went to bed and was naked in bed. Her partner also went to bed. Both were sleeping.

“Torrance went into the bedroom and he went underneath the bottom of the covers and she woke up, distressed as to what had happened.

“She kicked out at her partner who woke up. Torrance was still at the bottom of the bed and his hands were still underneath the covers. She was shaking, crying and in hysterics.”

Read more: Former councillor accused of embezzling £8k from trust

Mr Doherty said the matter was not reported at the time, adding: “Torrance was finally interviewed by police on June 19, 2018, and taken to Clydebank police office, where he was questioned.

“He was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”

Defence lawyer Ian Breachoney said he would reserve his comments until Torrance returns to court for sentencing after reports.

Sheriff Simon Pender told him: “This is an extremely serious matter, particularly since you are on the sex offenders’ register.”

Torrance was again remanded until sentencing on November 15 after a full social background report.