Teenage attacker found after appeal in Evening News

Mark Reid, 17, struck Sultan Miah, 50, over the head with a glass bottle in an unprovoked assault in Dumbiedykes Road in September.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard today how Reid was tracked down because of reports about the incident which were reported in the News.

The court heard how Reid was acting strangely in the hours following the September 19 incident – his parents became suspicious and were contacted by friends who had read about the attack.

Reid’s mum and dad confronted him about the assault – and the thug confessed to them that he was responsible for striking Mr Miah with the bottle.

Reid, a prisoner of HMP Polmont, pleaded guilty to a serious assault charge before Sheriff Alistair Noble.

Depute procurator fiscal Karon Rollo told the court that Reid struck Mr Miah with a bottle, leaving him with cuts and bruises all over his head.

Ms Rollo told the court that Lothian and Borders Police launched an appeal for information about the incident.

Ms Rollo added: “The attack generated extensive coverage in the media. Following the incident, the accused arrived home and was observed by his parents acting strangely.

“He locked every door in their house and shut every curtain. He told them ‘if anybody comes to the door, tell them I’m not in’.

“The accused’s parents were contacted by friends who had read about the attack in the media.

“They told the accused’s parents about what happened.

“The parents of the accused then decided to speak to him about what they had been told. They asked him whether he committed the attack.

“He replied ‘yes, no, I don’t know’.

“The parents recall feeling shocked and physically sick.”

The court heard that Reid was then arrested by police and charged with serious assault.

Sheriff Noble deferred sentence on Reid – who suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – until December 21.

It is expected that Reid’s defence team will provide the court with reasons explaining their client’s behaviour.