Thief scarred vulnerable victim for life

A ROBBER who carried out a vicious assault on a woman with learning difficulties, leaving her scarred for life, has been jailed for 14 months.

Natalie Paterson, 40, targeted her victim at an underpass in Murrayburn Drive, Edinburgh. Victim Emma Flint was robbed of two mobile phones, a bank card, a bus pass, cigarettes, house keys and 50.

Paterson admitted carrying out the assault and robbery at an earlier appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in July.

Two other women were also charged in connection with the attack but their not guilty pleas were accepted by the Crown.

The incident happened on August 7, 2008. Paterson also admitted assaulting a child in February of last year.

Defence agent Paul Dunne told the court Paterson, of Amisfield Place, Edinburgh, had experienced troubles with alcohol and drugs.

Sheriff Noble imposed a seven-month supervised release order and also sentenced Paterson to two months' custody for the assault on the child.