Man convicted of knife attack on two tourists in Edinburgh's Grassmarket
It happened in a vennel next to the Apex Hotel
A violent criminal tried to murder two women tourists in a vicious attack in Edinburgh's Grassmarket.
Peter Cameron repeatedly wounded his victims in the unprovoked assault as they were getting ready to return to Northern Ireland after a short break in the city.
The 38-year-old stabbed Bernadette Lester 10 times in a four-second burst of violence as she stood outside her hotel with her friend Gillian Clarke.
Mrs Clarke was then stabbed twice in the cheek and sustained injuries to her tongue and mouth as he turned to target her.
An employee from the Apex Hotel, in the Grassmarket, was also wounded by the knifeman as he went to the aid of the guests during the horrifying attacks which were captured on CCTV.
A judge today deferred sentence on Cameron for the preparation of a background report and risk assessment until next month.
Lady Scott said she was concerned about the potential risk that Cameron posed to the public and he was detained in custody.
During the trial Cameron admitted attempting to murder Mrs Lester by repeatedly striking her on the head, neck and body with the knife to her severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of her life on November 8 last year at a vennel beside the hotel.
He also admitted assaulting hotel worker Neil Robertson, who went to the aid of the women, by striking him with the knife to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
Cameron, who has an extensive criminal record for violence, further admitted assaulting Mrs Clarke to her severe injury and permanent disfigurement by striking her on the head with the weapon, but denied attempting to murder her. A jury unanimously convicted him of the murder bid today.
Cameron, who's from Edinburgh, was acquitted of further charges of illegal possession of the knife and attempting to pervert the course of justice by disposing of the weapon and items of clothing after the attacks after the Crown withdrew the charges.
Mrs Lester said she and her friend arrived in Edinburgh on November 5 and were due to fly home on November 8.