Scientist Robert Valentine admits sex acts with girl

Robert Valentine, from Warwick, admitted a charge of lewd and libidinous behaviour towards the girl, whom he met online around 2001.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard how, as a student, Valentine had travelled to the city on more than one occasion and had sexual contact with the girl in hotels.

He was caught after the girl, now in her 20s, reported the incidents.

'Frank account'

The court heard how qualified virologist Valentine had a "stellar" career and had been set to secure a highly-regarded post in Canada before the allegations came to light.

After being contacted by police in 2012 he gave a "frank account" of what had happened a decade earlier.

It emerged that the girl, then aged 13, had said their relationship should end and that it had been "wrong".

They were briefly in contact years later before the girl reported the sexual contact.

Sheriff Linda Ruxton deferred sentencing until next month for reports.

(BBC)