34-year-old ex-nursery worker Dawn McKenzie died from head and body stab wounds.
34-year-old ex-nursery worker Dawn McKenzie died from head and body stab wounds. Facebook

A 13-year-old boy appeared in court today and has denied killing his foster carer at her home in Hamilton.

At Glasgow High Court the teenager was charged with killing 34-year-old ex-nursery worker Dawn McKenzie.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons denies the accusations and has been declared "sane and fit to plead."

The teenager cannot be named for legal reasons.

The court heard that McKenzie died from wounds by a knife to both her head and body, and she died in hospital after being found with her injuries.

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."

Judge Lady Stacey adjourned the case until next month after hearing that Donald Findlay QC would be senior counsel for the defence.