Osarenkhoe Atutie, 26, has admitted attempting to murder his ex-partner Victory Atutie in a brutal sustained attack on Duke Street, Leith, on November 11 last year. The assault occurred as she walked with their daughter to a doctor's appointment.
Attack Details
During a hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, prosecutor Catriona MacLeod said the couple married in Nigeria before moving to the UK, where they had a daughter. They initially lived in London but after a breakdown in the relationship, Ms Atutie moved to Edinburgh with their child.
On the day of the attack, Ms Atutie was taking her daughter for a doctor's appointment when Atutie approached them. The child saw him first and shouted “daddy, daddy”. Ms Atutie initially did not believe her, thinking he was in London, but panicked when she saw him.
Atutie lifted the cover of the buggy and hugged his daughter before telling Ms Atutie: “I brought a knife, I will show you.” Ms Atutie continued walking with Atutie alongside. She tried to get the attention of a nearby man, shouting “he’s going to hurt me, he’s going to hurt me,” but the man did not intervene, later telling police Atutie seemed “calm”.
Sustained Assault
Atutie then grabbed Ms Atutie’s hair and repeatedly stabbed her in the head and body with a knife described as having a silver blade around 10cm long. The attack ended when three bystanders restrained Atutie until emergency services arrived.
Ms Atutie suffered 12 separate injuries to her face, neck, torso, and hand. She was taken to hospital with a collapsed lung and haemothorax (fluid in the chest cavity), which the court heard was potentially fatal. She was discharged after four days and has made a full physical recovery but has scarring, including on her face.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Following his arrest, Atutie was taken to St Leonard’s police station, where he told officers: “I am sorry things have got like this.” Judge Lord Cubie noted the sustained attack and 12 injuries, calling it a very serious offence with lifelong consequences for the victim, including significant physical injuries, facial scarring, and profound psychological trauma.
Atutie, dressed in a blue fleece and purple trousers, spoke only to confirm his name and guilty plea. The judge ordered a criminal justice social work report ahead of sentencing at Stirling on August 5.
