Man Admits Attempted Murder of Estranged Wife in Presence of Child
Osarenkhoe Atutie, 26, has admitted to attempting to murder his estranged wife on Duke Street in Edinburgh last November. The attack occurred in front of their daughter, who was in a pram at the time.
According to court proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, Atutie approached his former partner and their child, hugged the daughter, and then proceeded to stab the mother repeatedly on the head and body.
The court heard that Atutie threatened his former partner, tackled her, and inflicted severe injuries that resulted in permanent disfigurement and posed a danger to her life.
Victory Atutie sustained 12 injuries during the assault, including facial scarring and a collapsed lung.
A judge addressing Atutie stated:
"You will appreciate, I am sure, that this is a very serious offence with life long consequences in relation to the complainer."
Lord Cubie noted that he had reviewed a victim impact statement in which the woman expressed that the offence was out of character.
Background of the Relationship and Incident
Advocate depute Catriona MacLeod provided details that Atutie and Victory Atutie met and married in Nigeria approximately four years prior to the attack. They relocated to London where their child was born. Following a breakdown in their relationship, the wife and daughter moved to Edinburgh.
On the day of the incident, the mother and daughter were en route to a doctor's appointment when the child called out "Daddy, daddy." Victory told her daughter that her father was not present and did not initially suspect anything.
The court was informed that Victory then saw Atutie and immediately became alarmed. Atutie approached, hugged the child, and told Victory:
"I brought a knife. I will show you."
He instructed her to follow him and not to seek assistance. Fearful for her safety, Victory believed he intended to harm her when Atutie grabbed her hair and began stabbing her on the head and body.
Three men who witnessed the attack intervened and restrained Atutie.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Atutie was arrested and, while being processed at a police station, expressed remorse, stating:
"I am sorry things have got like this."
The victim required a chest drain and remained hospitalized for four days following the attack.
Sentencing was deferred to allow for the preparation of a background report, and the judge ordered Atutie to be remanded in custody.
The offender is scheduled to be sentenced at the High Court in Stirling on 5 August.
