Jail for attacker after threat to stab woman in grounds of hospital

CRIME: Victim fought back and thwarted attempt to steal her bag

A brave healthcare worker tried to fight off an attacker who threatened to stab her in the grounds of a Kirkcaldy hospital.

The woman had just left work a few days before Christmas when Andrew Wilson struck outside Whytemans Brae Hospital.

She struggled with him as he tugged at her handbag during the terrifying attack, and swung her laptop bag at him.

Wilson, 36, left empty-handed after failing to rob his victim and was given another jail sentence when he appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court yesterday.

Sheriff Jamie Gilchrist QC said Wilson had “preyed on a vulnerable woman” as he sentenced him to another 12 months in prison.

He also ordered his return to jail to serve the remaining 14 months of a previous sentence.

Wilson had been on his way to “score drugs” when he targeted the woman, according to his solicitor David Bell.

His victim was walking from Victoria

Hospital to the Whytemans Brae Hospital car park across the road shortly before 5pm on December 19 when she became aware of Wilson just yards behind her.

At first she thought he was talking on a phone call, but became suspicious when she realised he was repeatedly uttering the words “car park”.

Procurator fiscal depute Claire Bremner said the accused put his hand on the woman’s back, threatened to stab her and demanded her bag.

Wilson hauled at the woman’s bag strap but she refused to let go and struck him. During the struggle he tried to put his hand in her bag but eventually gave up and made off.

Wilson, who appeared from Perth Prison, was identified from CCTV footage and arrested.

He had admitted attempted robbery when he appeared on February 25.

At the earlier hearing Ms Bremner said the offence had a significant impact on the woman and she felt “vulnerable and frightened” when alone.

A victim impact statement was presented to Sheriff Gilchrist as he determined Wilson’s sentence.

Mr Bell said Wilson, who was previously convicted of a similar offence, had returned to drug use when a relationship broke down.

He said Wilson recognised the crime was serious and added: “He does express his remorse towards the complainer.”

“He does express his remorse towards the complainer. SOLICITOR DAVID BELL