PROSECUTORS have won a legal battle over their right to appeal in a case involving two nuns accused of abusing children.

The case involved six alleged victims who claimed they were abused by Anne Kenny and Agnes Reville at a care home in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, in the 1970s.

A sheriff at Paisley Sheriff Court dismissed the prosecution against the women in July last year because the passage of time, loss of records and deaths of potential witnesses posed a "grave" risk of prejudice to the accused.

However, the Crown launched an appeal against the decision at the Court of Appeal in Edinburgh in September. Defence lawyers acting for the nuns claimed the appeal process used by the Crown was "incompetent" and outdated and the appeal should therefore be dismissed.

But Judge Lord Clarke has now ruled the process, known as a Bill of Advocation, is competent and the appeal should proceed. A full hearing will be heard at the court at a later date.

Some of the complainers are claiming compensation for the alleged abuse from the Catholic Church and Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Solicitor Cameron Fyfe said: "I act for several clients who allege they were abused in this home when they were children. A successful prosecution would strengthen their claims for compensation."