Chat revealed sisters' abuse ordeal at hands of same man

TWO sisters discovered they were abused by the same man during childhood when they had an online chat.

The High Court in Edinburgh yesterday heard one of the women began suffering flashbacks and went for counselling and after attending a session got in touch with her relative when the abuse came to light.

Advocate depute Gillian Wade told the court: "She describes the abuse coming to light when she was chatting to her sister online. She reported the matter to the police and was supported by her sister who also provided a statement," she said.

Former soldier George Paterson, 50, of Barton Terrace, Fauldhouse, admitted indecently assaulting both victims during the 1970s in West Lothian.

Paterson, also known as Brown, was originally charged with raping his victims, but the Crown accepted his guilty pleas to reduced charges.

Lord Pentland deferred sentence on Paterson for reports and remanded him in custody.