A MAN who sexually assaulted a woman in an Alloa pub has been detained at a mental health ward.

The 36-year-old appeared for sentencing in relation to the offence on Thursday, April 11 at Alloa Sheriff Court.

He was convicted of sexual assault in that, on May 20 last year, he placed his hand on the complainer's breast, after taking her hand and attempting to hold her hand.

Sentencing had previously been deferred to allow a psychiatric assessment to be carried out.

The examination had been required to determine whether the accused could be made subject to a Compulsion Order (CO) by the court.

Such orders are employed when those who are prosecuted are required to receive treatment for mental illnesses, learning disabilities and other related conditions, either within a hospital or in the community.

In the interim, the accused had been residing at Bellsdyke Hospital, Larbert, where he had been receiving some form of treatment.

Last Thursday, solicitor Harry Couchlin said the results of the psychiatric assessment, and of another report, indicated such an order should be extended in respect of his client.

Sheriff David Mackie, presiding, agreed with the solicitor's submission and told the accused: "We now have the benefit of a second report which supports the making of a Compulsion Order, so I will make such an order.

"You will continue to reside at Bellsdyke Hospital."

The order will run for six months.