Junkie attacked OAP to rob him of £50

Mr Clapperton was left with a fracture to his humerus and cuts to his hands. Doctors told him he would require follow-up treatment at the orthopedic unit.

Fiscal depute Gillian More said Mr Clapperton had left his home shortly before 10am and had stopped at the cash machine to withdraw 50.

She said: "As Mr Clapperton stepped away from the machine Jones approached him from behind and tapped him on the shoulder, stating 'I'll take that'. Jones thereafter seized hold of the money and in doing so Mr Clapperton fell to the ground, where he fell heavily on his arm." Mrs More added there had been a brief struggle but Jones had grabbed the money and run off.

Jones, of 10/3F4 Lindsay Road, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the assault and robbery on March 18 this year.

The court heard Jones, a schizophrenic, was a self-confessed heroin addict spending 140 a week on the drug. He stated he had used the stolen cash to buy heroin.

Sheriff James Scott deferred sentence on Jones until next month for background reports.