First offender attacked stranger with meat cleaver in his home

A first offender wore gloves to assault a stranger with a meat cleaver during an attack, the motive of which remains “unclear”, a court has heard.

Michael McGraw, 29, drove from central Edinburgh to a house in Penicuik, Midlothian, to repeatedly strike the victim with the weapon on the head and body.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how investigators remain mystified as to why McGraw targeted the man on March 11, 2023.

On Thursday, prosecutor Craig Murray KC told judge Lord Stuart: “He entered the house wearing blue nitrile gloves.

“In a bedroom within the property, he drew a concealed meat cleaver or similar weapon and repeatedly struck the complainer in the manner described in the libel.

“The attack lasted for four minutes. The accused and the complainer had not previously met.

“The motive for the attack remains unclear.”

McGraw, of Drumbrae, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting the man to his severe injury by repeatedly striking him with a meat cleaver or similar weapon on his head and body.

Mr Murray told Lord Stuart that after the incident, the victim went to a nearby Tesco to seek help. He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary hospital for emergency treatment for his injuries.

Doctors treated him for cuts and released him after treatment.

The court heard that police carried out investigations into the assault and gathered enough evidence to show McGraw was responsible for the attack.

He was arrested, charged, and brought to court in connection with the charge.

The court heard that McGraw has never previously offended. This meant that Lord Stuart was legally obliged to call for a report into the accused’s background.

Lord Stuart remanded McGraw in custody and told him it was in his interests to fully co-operate with the author of the report into his background.

He added: “It is in your best interests.”

Lord Stuart also told McGraw he had a chance of rehabilitating himself and that he should reflect upon his actions.

He added: “You are at a crossroads.”

McGraw was remanded in custody ahead of a sentencing hearing next month, when defence advocate Michael Anderson KC is expected to give his plea of mitigation.