Robber slashed man on face at bus stop

A MAN demanded money from his victim who was sitting at a bus stop before slashing him in the face with a piece of glass, a court has heard.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday heard that John Mercer, 20, approached two men sitting at a bus stop and hit Paul Smith on the face when he refused to give him any money.

Mercer asked the men for cigarettes and when they refused he returned with a piece of glass and demanded money. Fiscal depute Melanie Ward said: "The accused pulled his sleeve down over the glass and without provocation he struck Mr Smith, on the face."

Mercer, of Edinburgh Prison, admitted carrying out the attack at Buccleuch Street, Dalkeith, on August 30 this year. Sheriff Mhairi Stephen deferred sentence until next month for background reports.