Man admits taking pictures up women's skirts at St James Centre

A MAN has admitted taking dozens of pictures up women's skirts and shorts in the St James' Centre.

William Gardner, 36, was arrested after security guards were initially alerted to reports of a drunk man in the centre.

At the city's Sheriff Court today Gardner pled guilty to committing a breach of the peace in the centre and elsewhere in the city by acting in a disorderly manner and taking indecent pictures of females on 31 July last year.

Fiscal Depute, Caroline Kubala, told Sheriff Colin McClory that the security guards saw Gardner standing next to women with his mobile phone held at a low level. A check on the phone showed that he had been taking pictures up women's skirts and shorts. There were 40 pictures.

Later, when cautioned and charged by the police, Gardner replied: "I'm sorry".

Sheriff McClory deferred sentenced on Gardner, of St Lawrence Crescent, Slamannan, Falkirk, until 1 April for background reports and a risk assessment.

Defence solicitor, Charlotte Ludgate, said she would reserve her plea in mitigation until that date.