A MAN who finds women's fear sexually arousing today admitted dragging a 35-year-old down a lane and assaulting her.

Andrew Greensmith, 36, of John Knox Street, Clydebank, grabbed his victim as she walked along Beith Street, Patrick, around 4.15pm on January 11, last year.

Greensmith, who was wearing gloves, covered her nose and mouth with one hand and with the other pushed her further and further down the lane.

Yesterday at the High Court in Glasgow prosecutor Greg Farrell said: “She described herself as panicking, believing that she was about to be raped or killed.”

A glove which Greensmith had accidentally dropped was handed it to police. The DNA found on the glove was a match for Greensmith, who has two previous convictions for sexually abusing women.

He admitted sexually assaulting his victim by grabbing her from behind, placing his hands over her mouth and nose , restricting her breathing, and forcing her into a lane.

His terrified victim screamed and managed to bang on a ground floor flat window.

At this point Greensmith released his grip and walked away.

His victim followed him shouting: “That man attacked me, that man attacked me” and “Help me.”

She was crying, screaming and in distress.

A woman came to her aid and they both followed Greensmith along Rosevale Street. They saw one black glove fall from his rear trouser pocket and the Good Samaritan picked it up ands gave it to police at Patrick police station.

Mr Farrell said: “The accused accepts that his motivation for carrying out this attack was sexual in that he finds women's fear sexually arousing, which is why he perpetrated this offence.”

The court heard the attack has had a profound effect on Greensmith's victim. She no longer goes out alone after dark and has been forced to change her work hours to avoid returning home in the dark. She also has difficulty sleeping.

Judge Lady Stacey ordered a risk assessment of the danger Greensmith poses to women and a background report. She remanded him in custody and placed him on the sex offenders register.

Lady Stacey told Greensmith: “I need to get as much information about you before I can decide what sentence to impose.”

Defence QC Gary Allan said that Greensmith, who worked in a Barnardos's shop twice a week until this incident, has learning difficulties.

Mr Allan told the court: “He gets sexual gratification from causing fear. Despite this it has never been his intention to rape anyone.”

The QC told the court that a psychology report carried out on Greensmith suggested he would find it emotionally distressing if he were to be in custody long-term.

Mr Allan added: “He has had a support worker for the last 17 years. Mr Greensmith is his only client..”

Greensmith will be sentenced in July.

In August 2000 at Peterhead Sheriff Court Greensmith was convicted of assaulting a 17-year-old shop assistant in a storeroom by grabbing her, pressing his body against her and kissing her on the cheek and neck.

He was also convicted at Glasgow Sheriff Court in April 2002 of committing a breach of the peace by stalking a woman.