A man who committed two separate assaults over an eight day period has today been sentenced to seven years and two months in prison.

John Reid, aged 23, assaulted and robbed a 33-year-old man at his home in Gibson Terrace on Thursday, March 9, with an accomplice, 22-year-old Michael Roberts. They threatened him with a knife, before robbing him of £250.

Reid also assaulted a 24-year-old woman in Muirhouse Gardens on Wednesday, March 1, before retaining a motorcycle from her which was rightfully in her possession.

Reid pled guilty to assault and robbery, reset and assault to injury at Glasgow High Court on Monday, July 10. He was sentenced at Edinburgh High Court on Wednesday, August 2.

Roberts also pled guilty to assault and robbery at Glasgow High Court on Monday, July 10. He was sentenced today at Edinburgh High Court to three years in prison.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Grainger of Edinburgh Division’s Criminal Investigation Department said: “Reid and Roberts put the victims through an upsetting and frightening experience, which they have now been held to account for.

“We treat all crimes of this nature with the utmost seriousness and are committed to using all resources at our disposal to investigate and bring perpetrators before the courts.”

Chief Inspector James Jones, Area Commander for North West Edinburgh, said: “Reid partook in motorcycle criminality which culminated in the assault of a 24-year-old woman.

“This result demonstrates that we will not tolerate motorcycle criminality in the North of Edinburgh and we are working with our partners in local government and the criminal justice system as part of Operation Soteria to bring those responsible for motorcycle crime to account.

“I would also add that we were able to apprehend Reid through intelligence from the North Edinburgh community. If you are aware of anti-social behaviour in your local area, please report this. You can do this by calling 101, anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via third party reporting.”

ENDS