Racist Axe Attacker Jailed for Four Years After Edinburgh Station Assault
A thug who reeked of alcohol has been jailed for a brazen racially motivated axe attack at Edinburgh Waverley railway station. Brian Patterson, 22, struck his victim on the side of the head during what police described as a vile and premeditated assault.
Details of the Vicious Attack
The incident occurred shortly before midnight on September 5 last year. Patterson had been on the station overbridge when he began following his victim and their friend through the premises. He started to racially abuse his victim and made inappropriate sexual comments towards their companion.
As the victim approached the escalator, he turned to confront Patterson, who was still behind him. The victim reported that Patterson reeked of alcohol as he got into his personal space and began making threats. Patterson continued to threaten the victim as he turned back to get on the escalator.
In a shocking escalation, Patterson then pulled out an axe from within his clothes and hit the victim to the side of the head. The victim, unaware he had been struck by an axe, suffered a bump to the side of the head and cuts along the neck. He saw Patterson tuck something into his waistband as he ran away.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
British Transport Police arrested Patterson on October 1 last year. While under caution and in custody, Patterson asked the arresting officers if the person he had supposedly attacked was alright. However, it quickly became clear that he really only cared about himself, showing utter indignation according to police.
Patterson, of Back Braes in Brechin, later pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault and causing danger to life with an axe. On February 10, he was sentenced to four years in prison with a two-year extension period.
Police Response and Public Safety
Detective Constable Donna Davanna from 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.
She added: 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 emphasized that British Transport Police take every report of violence on the railway network extremely seriously and will not tolerate offences such as those carried out by Patterson. People can report crimes to BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, dial 999.
