Man hurled racist abuse at foreign student at Waverley train station before attacking him with axe

A man who hurled racist abuse at a foreign PhD student in an Edinburgh train station before attacking him with an axe has been jailed for four years.

Brian Patterson, 22, subjected the man to a life-threatening attack at Edinburgh’s Waverley station on September 5, 2025.

The high court heard how Patterson struck his victim on the head and neck with the weapon during the assault.

Judge Lady Haldane heard how Patterson also uttered racial insults at the student in the moments before striking him.

She also saw Patterson finding proceedings amusing during earlier proceedings in which he pleaded guilty to two charges.

He admitted assaulting the man by striking him on the head and neck with an axe to his “injury and danger of life”.

This assault was aggravated by prejudice relating to “race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins”.

He also admitted a second charge of possessing an axe in a public place without having a “reasonable excuse or lawful authority” to do so.

On Tuesday, his case called for sentencing in Edinburgh. Patterson, a remand prisoner, observed proceedings via video link from jail.

Passing sentence, Lady Haldane referred to the accused’s previous convictions for assault to injury, possession of an offensive weapon, breach of the peace and multiple counts of theft. The court heard how he he had been offending at a “prodigious” rate.

She said: “This offence is part of an escalating and concerning course of behaviour.

“Nothing other than the imposition of a custodial sentence is appropriate in your case.

“It is necessary to protect the public from you and you must spend a considerable amount of time in a custodial setting.”

At the earlier hearing, prosecutor Mark Mohammed KC said complainer had gone to pick up a friend who was coming to Edinburgh for a visit.

Patterson approached his victim with another man.

The court heard how Patterson, of Brechin, Angus, had the axe concealed on his body, and he started uttering racial insults at the postgraduate student.

Lady Haldane heard how Patterson produced the weapon, “swung it with force” and struck the complainer on the neck. He needed medical treatment for a cut to his neck.

Patterson appeared to find Mr Mohammed’s narrative amusing and Lady Haldane noticed this.

She said: “You were seen giggling, smirking and laughing during proceedings. I don’t know if you know I could see you.

“I’ve not a clue to what you found so funny about appearing in the high court at the age of 22.

“I assure you – this is no laughing matter.”

Mr Mohammed told the court that in January 2025, Patterson was convicted at Dundee Sheriff Court of assault to injury, possession of an offensive weapon, statutory breach of the peace and multiple charges of theft.

He was jailed for 24 months, which was backdated to September 11, 2024.

The advocate depute added said Patterson was on licence at the time of this offence.

Speaking about the attack, Mr Mohammed said: “Patterson was in possession of an axe, which was concealed on his body.

“Whist walking behind the complainer, Patterson began to make racial comments, including ‘what are you doing here’ and ‘go back’.

“The complainer started to travel up the escalator at Waverley Steps, still followed by Patterson.

“Whilst doing so, Patterson took out the axe he was carrying and swung it with force, striking the complainer on the neck.

“Patterson and his companion then ran up the stairs and left the station. The assault was captured on the station CCTV.”

Mr Mohammed said the complainer felt dazed, his vision was blurred and needed hospital treatment.

Meanwhile, police officers watched the assault which was captured on CCTV and they were able to identify Patterson. Mr Mohammed said Patterson was arrested on October 1, 2025 in Brechin, Angus.

The prosecutor added: “On being arrested, he was cautioned and charged with attempted murder to which he replied, ‘no it didnae, nothing happened’.”

On Tuesday, Lady Haldane also ordered Patterson to be supervised by the authorities for two years following his release from custody.