ALEX SALMOND today pledged to tackle "deficiencies" in the justice system that allowed a man to rape a schoolgirl while on the run from an open prison.

Robert Foye, 28, is facing a lengthy jail sentence for brutally attacking the 16-year-old girl in woods near Cumbernauld as she pleaded with him not to rape her.

Foye, from Cumbernauld, had been let out of Castle Huntly open prison, near Dundee, to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting - but did not return.

He had been on the run for six days when he raped the girl.

Foye was half-way through a 10-year sentence for attempting to murder a policeman when he fled.

At First Minister's Questions today, Mr Salmond said: "I clearly think there are deficiencies within the system that this case illustrates."

He said these would be addressed through a commission into the prison system set up last year by the Scottish Government.

Labour MSP Cathy Craigie described Foye as a "monster".

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Times, Foye admitted the rape, which took place on August 24 last year on a wooded path between Cumbernauld Village and Seafar.

The High Court in Glasgow was told the victim was walking home in daylight after collecting new contact lenses in the town when Foye approached and asked her the time.

He seized her, put his hand over her mouth and dragged her into the woods, punching her on the head, eye, nose and mouth.

When she screamed, Foye ordered her to shut up and pressed his hand tightly round her mouth.

The girl pleaded with Foye not to have sex with her, but he raped her.

He told the girl not to leave until he was gone.

Foye was arrested the next day and denied being in the area, but forensic samples from the victim matched his DNA profile.

Judge Lady Smith described Foye's crime as "appalling".

She called for reports to help determine whether he should be given a lifelong restriction order so he could be monitored.

He will be sentenced next month.

The victim, who is still receiving counselling, was in court as the rapist apologised through his counsel.

Lawyer Paul McBride said: "He is appalled at what he has done. It may be no consolation to her, but he wishes me to express his regret."