A teenager has today been sentenced to four years in prison for violent attacks on two men in Edinburgh city centre last year.

The now 17-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, pled guilty to one charge of attempted murder and one charge of assault to severe injury at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday 18 January 2019.

Today he was sentenced for the attacks that happened within three days of each other in September of last year.

The first incident happened in the early hours of Saturday 1st September outside the Waterstones store on Princes Street. A 32-year-old man suffered ten stab wounds to his body after confronting the 17-year-old over his behaviour towards two homeless women who were taking shelter in the doorway.

The second attack happened on Tuesday 4th September on Cockburn Street, when two men were approached by the 17-year-old and two others. The then 17-year-old victim sustained a single stab wound to his lower back. 

Both victims were taken to hospital by the Scottish Ambulance Service for treatment of their injuries.

Detectives from Police Scotland’s Violence Reduction Unit launched an investigation that saw the now 17-year-old subsequently arrested and charged on 28 September 2018.

Detective Sergeant Mark Lumsden from Gayfield CID said: “Both of these incidents were extremely frightening for the victims and left them with serious injuries. 

“The men have shown great courage throughout our investigations and I hope today’s sentence will offer them some comfort as they move forward with their lives.

“These were completely unprovoked and unnecessary attacks inflicted by the teenager who had complete disregard for the lives of the victims.

“Any instances of violent crime will not be tolerated and we will continue to work with our partners in the Crown and Procurator Fiscal service to ensure those responsible are brought before the courts.”