A convicted rapist who tried to rape another victim was warned yesterday he could face life in prison.
William Belk attacked the woman at her flat in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh.
The 53-year-old put a cushion over her face but the victim continued to struggle and Belk abandoned the attack.
Steven Borthwick, prosecuting, said: “The accused explained that he stopped because he started ‘freaking out’ due to
recollecting events which had resulted in him going to prison for 15 years.”
The High Court in Edinburgh heard Belk told the hysterical woman that she should call the police.
When officers found him walking in the street, he told them: “My name is William Belk and I’m a registered sex offender.”
Belk admitted sexually assaulting and attempting to rape the woman, 47, who suffers from learning difficulties, on June 9.
The court heard he has amassed convictions in Scotland and England, including a 15-year sentence for rape in 2003.
Lord Uist called for a full risk assessment report, which can lead to the imposition of an order for lifelong restriction, before sentencing in October.
The judge told Belk, who appeared via video link from prison: “I consider that the risk criteria may be satisfied in your case.”
