Man jailed for racist axe attack at Edinburgh Waverley
A 22-year-old man has been jailed after racially harassing a commuter and attacking them with an axe at Edinburgh Waverley station.
Brian Patterson, of Back Braes in Brechin, was sentenced to four years in prison, with a two-year extension period, at Edinburgh High Court on Tuesday 10 February. He had previously pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault and causing danger to life with an axe on 13 January.
The court heard that on Friday 5 September 2025, just before midnight, Patterson followed his victim and a friend across the station. While following, he shouted racial abuse at the victim and made inappropriate sexual comments towards the friend.
As the victim approached the escalator, Patterson confronted him, getting into his personal space. Witnesses later noted that Patterson appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. He then pulled an axe from his clothing and struck the victim on the side of the head, causing a bump and cuts along the neck. The victim was unaware of the extent of the injury at the time and saw Patterson flee the scene.
An urgent investigation by British Transport Police led to Patterson’s arrest on 1 October. While in custody, he reportedly asked officers if the person he had attacked was “alright,” showing little regard for the seriousness of his actions.
Detective Constable Donna Davanna said: “I’m extremely pleased to see Patterson jailed for his vile and premeditated attack. His brazen and horrific actions could have resulted in a man losing his life. It is thanks only to luck that the consequences were not more severe. We take every report of violence on the railway network extremely seriously and will not tolerate offences such as this.”
Police have urged anyone who experiences or witnesses violence on the railway network to report it by texting 61016, calling 0800 40 50 40, or dialling 999 in an emergency.