Early release thug went on to rob two terrified victims

Nicolas Wynne was freed in May 13 this year from a 32-month jail sentence for robbery and assault with intent to rob which was due to expire in September next year.

On May 30, he and an accomplice mugged a 21-year-old man – then just three days later robbed the student. Wynne, 22, who had been housed in a hostel aimed at helping rehabilitate violent criminals in Edinburgh’s Broughton Place, told police that he committed the latest robberies because he felt he had “little or no support and needed money”.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Wynne admitted assaulting and robbing Matthew Watson of £18 and a bank card at Elm Row on May 30.

He also pleaded guilty to assaulting Alex MacDonald and robbing him of a phone at Calton Terrace on June 2 and abducting him and forcing him to take him to his home in the city’s Antigua Street, where Wynne snatched computers, a games machine, a camera and jacket.

Advocate depute Lesley Shand QC said: “Mr Watson begged them not to steal the other contents of his wallet, including his driving licence and other cards and they returned these to him.” Wynne told the victim: “Don’t worry, you’re not going to get stabbed.” But he added: “Don’t try anything, I know where you live.”

The prosecutor said the victim simply “let” them rob him because he was terrified.

Days later Mr MacDonald, 22, was attacked by Wynne and another man after going out for a walk. Wynne pushed him, making him stumble before grabbing his T-shirt and telling him not to “fool” with him.

He asked for his phone and became more aggressive, repeatedly slapping him on the face, when the victim said he did not have it with him.

After no wallet was found, Wynne asked him where he lived before forcing him to take him to his address.

The judge, Lord Kinclaven, deferred sentence on Wynne for a background report and remanded him in custody.