Thief's horror attack on 90-year-old man

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.

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

McArthur struggled with Mr Purves while stealing his wallet and pushed him to the ground before running off with just 25.

The 32-year-old also held up a newsagent at knifepoint and stole 150 earlier in the month.

He was caught out after a passer-by saw the attack and followed him until police arrived.

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

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

Judge Lord Kinclaven deferred sentence until next month and remanded McArthur in custody.