Mum turns thug son in to police

Simon San

Mr San was forced to get out of his Smart car after returning to Lochend from a delivery by a gang of youths who started rocking it back and forwards.

The 40-year-old was then killed by a single punch from 16-year-old John Reid, who was sentenced to five years detention in October after admitting culpable homicide.

Michael Roberts, 16, and Keir Rodger, 16, pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday to carrying out an assault on Mr San by rocking his car and forcing him to leave the vehicle. The teenagers were caught after Rodger's mother overheard them discussing the attack at his home, and called the police.

Today, local councillor Ewan Aitken said Mr San's death had "devastated the community", but had fostered a greater willingness among residents to report youth crime.

The guilty pleas were also welcomed by police chiefs who are currently investigating complaints by Mr San's family that they did not respond strongly enough to complaints of youths running wild in the area.

In court, Roberts also admitted stealing a set of car keys and a mobile phone from Mr San during the attack just yards from the victim's family takeaway, Yong Hua Gardens, in Lochend Road.

The court heard that Roberts tried to start Mr San's car as he lay on the ground, and later while at Rodger's home was heard to say "does anyone want a car?". Mr San died the day after the incident on August 11 from a fractured skull and internal bleeding.

Cllr Aitken said: "It's good that this tragic incident, which shocked the whole community, has been brought to a close with justice seen to be done. Lochend is a strong community and will move on, but it will always remain a tragedy."

Fiscal depute Melanie Ward told yesterday's hearing that Mr San's car had been surrounded by Roberts, Rodger and Reid. She said: "All three started rocking the vehicle while Mr San was still in it. Witnesses said that they were laughing as they did so. Mr San was forced to leave the car."

The court heard that Mr San was then punched, and the force caused him to drop his phone and keys, which were taken by Roberts, who tried unsuccessfully to start the car before running off with the other teenagers.

Sheriff John Horsburgh QC deferred sentence for reports and advice from the children's panel until later this month. Roberts and Rodger were remanded in custody.

A 14-year-old, who cannot be identified, who also faced the assault charge, had his not guilty plea accepted by the Crown but admitted breaching bail conditions.