A WOMAN has admitted physically abusing three young children at addresses in Rosyth and Kirkcaldy.

The children – one was just three at the time – were struck repeatedly with a belt and her hand, in assaults which took place over a period of more than three years.

They were carried out by Vita Zartman, 48, currently a prisoner and formerly of Station Hotel, Thornton.

Zartman appeared from custody in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, accompanied by a Russian translator and admitted four charges.

On repeated occasions between April 16, 2013, and June 16, 2016, at an address in Rosyth and an address in Kirkcaldy, she assaulted a girl then aged between five and eight by repeatedly striking her on the body with a belt and repeatedly striking her on the head and body with his hand, all to her injury.

On repeated occasions between April 16, 2013, and June 16, 2016, at an address in Rosyth and an address in Kirkcaldy, she assaulted a boy then aged between three and six by repeatedly striking him on the body with a belt.

On repeated occasions between April 16, 2013, and June 16, 2016, at an address in Rosyth and an address in Kirkcaldy, she assaulted a boy then aged between eight and 11 by repeatedly striking him on the body with a belt and repeatedly struck him on the head and body with his hand.

Zartman also admitted that between January 1 and June 16, 2016, at an address in Rosyth and an address in Kirkcaldy, she wilfully mistreated five children, neglected, abandoned and exposed the children by failing to provide them with adequate food, failed to provide them with adequate clothing, failed to maintain their personal hygiene, failed to provide clean bedding and neglected their physical welfare.

Sheriff Charles MacNair called for reports. Zartman will remain in custody until sentencing on April 17.