A FIFE man has admitted committing sex offences against a 12-year-old boy more than 40 years ago.

The offences took place in a wooded area near Gowkhall and an address in Leven.

Douglas Bell, 56, of Martin Street, Buckhaven, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on two occasions between October 5, 1976, and May 30, 1977, at a wooded area near Gowkhall and at an address in Leven, he used lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour towards a boy then aged 12.

Bell, who was aged 15 at the time, exposed his penis, compelled the victim to masturbate his penis and placed the boy’s penis in his mouth.

Depute fiscal Sarah Lumsden said that in 1976, Bell asked the boy to go for a walk with him.

He took him into a wooded area and exposed his penis. He told the boy he would not show him the way back out of the woods if he did not take part.

The victim did not speak about the incidents until 2008 when he told a relative. That person later contacted the police, as he was concerned about the victim’s mental state.

The court heard Bell is now married with six children and nine grandchildren.

Sheriff Charles MacNair called for reports and Bell will be sentenced on June 20. He was placed on the sex offenders’ register.