Rapist to wait longer for sentence

Sentencing of a serial sex attacker snared by his twin brother's DNA was delayed today.

Kevan McDonald was due to be sentenced for two rapes and two attempted rapes of four women in Renfrewshire last year.

The 34-year-old, who has admitted the crimes, was caught when DNA evidence on his victims matched the profile of his identical twin brother.

McDonald raped a woman on a river footpath in Paisley on April 3 and a second woman on a cycle track in Elderslie on June 16.

He pleaded guilty to attacking a woman in Renfrew on May 27 and another woman in a lane near a leisure centre in Paisley on June 16, both with intent to rape.

McDonald also admitted stealing a handbag and mobile phone on May 27 and stealing a camera, mobile phone and purse on June 16.

At the High Court in Glasgow today, judge Lord Turnbull agreed that more time was needed for lawyers to consider a risk assessment report on McDonald, which was ordered in February and has just become available.

A psychiatric report also suggested that more time was needed to assess him.

McDonald's defence agent Joe Barr said: "I received a copy of the psychiatric report, from which it is clear that further time is required to continue to assess Mr McDonald. There's also been prepared a very substantial risk assessment report."

Further hearings are set for May 18 and July 16.

Lord Turnbull extended the interim compulsion order detaining him in the State Hospital at Carstairs until then.