Racist Axe Attacker Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Edinburgh Station Assault
A man who launched a horrific axe attack on a commuter after subjecting him to racial harassment has been jailed following an investigation by British Transport Police. Brian Patterson, aged 22 and from Brechn, received a four-year custodial sentence at Edinburgh High Court on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, with an additional two-year extended period. Patterson pleaded guilty to charges of racially aggravated assault and causing danger to life with an axe at Edinburgh Waverley station.
Details of the Vicious Attack at Edinburgh Waverley Station
The court heard that on September 5, 2025, shortly before midnight, Patterson was on the overbridge at Edinburgh Waverley railway station when he began pursuing his victim and their companion through the busy transport hub. Whilst trailing the two individuals, Patterson commenced hurling racial abuse at his primary victim before directing inappropriate sexual remarks towards the victim's friend.
As the victim neared the escalator with Patterson close behind, he turned to challenge his aggressor. Patterson reduced the gap and invaded his personal space, with the victim subsequently reporting that Patterson stank of alcohol. The situation escalated rapidly as Patterson became belligerent and started issuing threats towards the victim, who turned around and stepped onto the escalator to depart the station.
The Moment of Violence and Subsequent Investigation
Patterson persisted with his threats before producing an axe from inside his clothing and striking the victim on the side of the head. The victim was initially oblivious to being hit by an axe, sustaining a lump on the side of the head and lacerations along the neck. He observed as Patterson fled the scene whilst concealing something in his waistband.
An urgent inquiry was immediately initiated by British Transport Police, and on October 1, 2025, officers tracked down Patterson and detained him in connection with the assault. Whilst being cautioned and held in custody, Patterson enquired of the arresting officers whether the man he had 'supposedly' attacked was okay, displaying what investigators described as self-centered concern rather than genuine remorse.
Police Response and Court Sentencing
Detective Constable Donna Davanna of British Transport Police stated: "I'm extremely pleased to see Patterson jailed for his vile and premeditated attack. Patterson's brazen and horrific actions could have resulted in a man losing his life, and it is thanks only to luck that the consequences of the attack were not more severe."
"When under caution and asking about the state of his victim, it quickly became clear that he really only cared about himself and showed utter indignation. I hope that regardless of how crass and heartless Patterson has shown to be, this can bring the victim some comfort and closure."
The detective added: "We take every report of violence on the railway network extremely seriously, and will not tolerate offences such as those carried out by Patterson."
The sentencing reflects the gravity of the racially motivated violence that occurred at one of Scotland's busiest railway stations, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences for such criminal behavior on public transport networks.
