Man Jailed After Racist Abuse and Axe Attack at Edinburgh Waverley

A man who racially abused a fellow passenger before striking him with an axe at Edinburgh Waverley station has been jailed for four years.

Brian Patterson, 22, of Back Braes in Brechin, was sentenced at Edinburgh High Court on Tuesday 10 February. The court imposed a four-year custodial term along with a two-year extension period. Patterson had earlier pleaded guilty, on Tuesday 13 January, to racially aggravated assault and causing danger to life with an axe.

Judges heard that shortly before midnight on Friday 5 September 2025, Patterson was on the overbridge at Edinburgh Waverley when he began following a man and his friend through the station. As he trailed them, he directed racist abuse at the man and made inappropriate sexual remarks towards the woman accompanying him.

The situation escalated near an escalator. The victim turned to challenge Patterson, who moved into his personal space. The victim later said Patterson smelled strongly of alcohol. After issuing threats, Patterson produced an axe concealed in his clothing and struck the man on the side of the head as he attempted to leave on the escalator.

The victim did not initially realise he had been attacked with a weapon. He sustained a swelling to his head and cuts to his neck, and watched as Patterson fled the scene, appearing to place something back into his waistband.

British Transport Police launched an urgent inquiry and arrested Patterson on Wednesday 1 October 2025. While in custody and under caution, he asked officers whether the man he had “supposedly” attacked was alright.

Detective Constable Donna Davanna said:

"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. 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. We take every report of violence on the railway network extremely seriously, and will not tolerate offences such as those carried out by Patterson. If you are the victim of or witness to an assault or violent behaviour, report it to us by texting 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, dial 999."

Image: British Transport Police