90-year-old man left with broken shoulder after thug attack

Published on Friday 19 March 2010 09:03

A NINETY-YEAR-OLD man was left with a broken shoulder and ribs after a thug attacked and robbed him outside his home, a court heard today.

Pensioner John Purves was in hospital for two months after being assaulted by Elroy McArthur in Edinburgh in July last year.

McArthur got into a struggle with the OAP while stealing his wallet and pushed him to the ground before running off with just 25.

The 32-year-old also held up a newsagents at knife point and made off with 150 earlier in the month.

He was caught out after a passer-by saw him attacking Mr Purves and followed him until police arrived.

At the High Court in Glasgow today, McArthur admitted assaulting Mr Purves and stealing his wallet at Lorne Street, Edinburgh, on 24 July, last year.

He also pled guilty to assaulting 19-year-old shop assistant Lucette Woods and robbing her at knife point in RS McColls, West Maitland Street, Edinburgh, on 15 July, last year.

Prosecutor Stephen O'Rourke told the court that McArthur started chatting to Mr Purves at the door to his property.

Mr O'Rourke said: "Mr Purves immediately became aware that the accused was reaching into his trouser pocket and attempting to steal his wallet.

"The accused tussled with Mr Purves in an attempt to remove the wallet from his trousers, pushing him as he did so.

"The accused managed to remove the wallet and made off, at which point Mr Purves lost his balance and fell to the ground fracturing his shoulder and some ribs.

"A passer-by Steven Sutterby heard the disturbance and followed the accused and never lost sight of him while contacting the police via his mobile phone."

A neighbour heard Mr Purves crying for help and went out to find him lying on the ground.

He was taken to Edinburgh's Astley Ainslie Hospital where he was hospitalised until September.

Mr O'Rourke added: "He was too frail to operate on but has subsequently made something of a recovery but continues to suffer great discomfort at his shoulder and has significantly limited mobility."

McArthur was arrested a short time after the attack.

Police then also linked him to the armed robbery where he stole 159.90 after threatening Miss Wood with a knife and shouting "gimme all the notes".

The court heard that McArthur – who has a prolific record for theft and burglary – was out on bail for theft at the time of the attacks.

Judge Lord Kinclaven deferred sentence until next month for background reports and McArthur was remanded in custody.