Mugger followed then robbed victims as they left train station

A mugger targeted passengers after they got off trains at Kirkcaldy Railway Station.

Lennon McAlpine, 19, followed a woman and tried to grab her mobile phone then assaulted a man before making off with his wallet and rucksack.

He is to be sentenced for the offences, which occurred on the evening of March 14, at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court next month.

The court heard how his first victim became aware of a male following her as she walked through the station’s underpass.

McAlpine tried to grab her phone from her hand but she had a tight grip and he failed.

She shouted “What do you think you are doing?” and McAlpine fled.

His second target had reached nearby Balsusney Road when he realised he was being followed.

McAlpine demanded the man’s belongings, pulled at his rucksack and began striking him on the head with a stick.

He then ran off towards the station with the man’s bag and his wallet.

Both victims contacted police and officers later spotted McAlpine on Balfour Street with the rucksack.

When police approached him McAlpine suddenly lashed out and knocked PC Kayleigh Lewis to the ground before he was arrested.

McAlpine, who is currently serving a sentence in the Young Offenders Institute Polmont, admitted attempted theft of a phone, assault and robbery and assaulting a police officer, all while on bail.

Sheriff Jamie Gilchrist QC deferred sentence for reports, on account of McAlpine’s age and the circumstances, until June 13.