A FOSTER mother who carried out a decade-long catalogue of abuse against children in her care has been criticised for her attitude towards her punishment.

Ruth Johnstone, 62, of Paisley, hit children with a slipper and pinched them, and forced one girl to lick urine from a carpet.

After being convicted of assault and wilful ill-treatment at Paisley Sheriff Court, Sheriff James Spy placed her on a Community Payback Order. She will be monitored by the social work department for two-and-a-half years and will do 240 hours' unpaid work.

She returned to the dock yesterday for a review of her punishment. Sheriff Spy said: "A better attitude could be displayed in relation to the supervision part of the order."He said Johnstone had been doing well with regards the unpaid work.

He allowed the order to continue and set another review for early next year.