Boy, 13, denies murdering foster carer Dawn McKenzie

A 13-year-old boy has denied murdering a foster carer at a flat in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is alleged to have struck 34-year-old Dawn McKenzie on the head and body with a knife in June.

At the High Court in Glasgow, his lawyer entered a plea of not guilty and told the court she was satisfied he was "sane and fit to plead".

Judge Lord Brailsford fixed trial for January.

The boy is alleged to have attacked Ms McKenzie with a knife at at 21 Deveron Crescent, Hamilton, on 24 June.

Defence Counsel Louise Arrol told the court: "I appear for the accused today. He pleads not guilty.

"The position is psychiatric and psychological reports have been instructed on his behalf, although I am satisfied that he is sane and fit to plead."

Ms Arrol told the court that Donald Findlay QC would be senior counsel for the defence.