Fairground worker admits assault in city beauty spot

A MOTHER was subjected to a knife-point ordeal as she pushed a pram through an Edinburgh beauty spot.

A court heard how 36-year-old Liqian Watson had taken her dog and baby son to the Hermitage of Braid when she was attacked from behind.

Fairground worker John Simmons, 58, wearing latex gloves, clapped his left hand over her mouth while holding a large kitchen knife over her right shoulder, said advocate depute Gillian More, prosecuting.

Ms Watson fell to the ground when Simmons pulled her towards him.

Mrs More told the High Court in Edinburgh that Ms Watson offered Simmons her mobile phone and money, telling him: "That's all I've got."

However, Simmons replied: "I don't want your money." He then asked her to follow him.

As Ms Watson walked along, still pushing the pram, she saw two cyclists and called out "Help me, help me. He has got a knife", in spite of Simmon's warnings that she should keep quiet.

When the cyclists stopped, Ms Watson ran to them and Simmons walked away.

Police were called to the scene and given a description of Simmons, and then saw him in nearby Hermitage Drive about two hours later.

When questioned, Simmons said he lived in a caravan in the Leeds area and worked with a travelling fairground. He said he had come to Edinburgh to visit his brother.

Simmons said that he had taken a tour of the Royal Yacht, Britannia, in Leith, then taken a bus to the Hermitage of Braid for "a peaceful walk".

He denied attacking anyone but could not explain a cut to his finger.

Mrs More said the cut was consistent with someone accidentally nicking his finger while holding a victim by the throat.

A police search of the area uncovered a knife in bushes with a cable tie round the handle - similar to a knife found in Simmons' holdall, which he had left in his brother's flat.

Swabs taken from the knife found in the bushes showed traces of DNA from Ms Watson and from Simmons.

In court today, Simmons admitted assault and abduction on February 9 this year.

Judge Lady Smith heard that Simmons already had a conviction for stealing women's underwear from a washing line 40 years ago and had been fined 20 for an indecent assault on two young girls in 1974.

The judge called for background reports and ordered Simmons to remain in custody pending sentence.

Simmons is due back in court next month.