A former foster carer from Perth was jailed for more than eight years today after he admitted abusing four boys.

Paulnacha O'Mairthini, 42, pleaded guilty to the offences carried out between 1992 and 1997.

One of the boys, aged 15, was being fostered by O'Mairthini when he carried out the abuse.

The offender, formerly of County Louth in the Republic of Ireland, was previously a child care manager in Kirkwall, Orkney.

He was jailed at Paisley High Court for eight years and three months.

Judge Lady Dorrian said: "The charges to which you have pled guilty are serious charges of abuse against persons to whom, in the most part, you were in a position of trust.

"The complainer in charge eight was actually being fostered by you when the abuse occurred."

O'Mairthini pleaded guilty to three charges of lewd and libidinous behaviour and two of assault.

He also admitted failing to appear at a court hearing while on bail.

A warrant was served when he missed the Perth High Court hearing on April 1.

Lady Dorrian said she intended to refer his case to Scottish ministers under the Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 in relation to working with children.