A man has admitted trying to murder his estranged wife in a knife attack as she made her way to a doctor's appointment with their daughter in a buggy.
Osarenkhoe Atutie, 26, repeatedly stabbed Victory Atutie on the head and body during the vicious assault in Edinburgh's Duke Street, Leith, on 11 November 2025.
Atutie inflicted 12 injuries, with the victim suffering scarring to her face and a collapsed lung.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard the attack ended when three men ran to the aid of Ms Atutie and detained her former partner.
Atutie pleaded guilty to attempted murder during a hearing at the court on Tuesday.
During the attack, he made repeated threats of violence, instructed her to follow him, tackled her, and while she was on the ground held her head and repeatedly stabbed her to her severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of her life.
Judge Lord Cubie told Atutie: "You will appreciate, I am sure, that this is a very serious offence with life-long consequences in relation to the complainer, who was left with significant physical injuries, scarring to her face, and profound and deep psychological trauma."
The judge said he had read a victim impact statement in which the woman expressed her clear view that the offence was out of character.
Advocate depute Catriona MacLeod said Atutie and the victim met and were married in Nigeria about four years before the attack.
They moved to London where the child was born, but following a breakdown in the relationship the wife and daughter moved to Edinburgh.
On the day of the murder bid, they were heading to a doctor's surgery when the child called out "daddy, daddy".
Ms Atutie was said to have told her daughter he was not there and did not think anything of it, but then she saw her ex and immediately panicked.
He reportedly walked over and gave the child a hug, before telling Ms Atutie: "I brought a knife. I will show you."
The court heard she was told to follow him and not seek assistance. She was said to be scared and believed he was going to hurt her.
Atutie grabbed her hair and began to stab her on the head and body before men came to her aid and held her attacker.
He was arrested, and while being processed at a police station said: "I am sorry things have got like this."
The knife was described as having a silver blade and being "around 10cm" in length.
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The victim had a chest drain inserted and remained in hospital for four days after the attack, which was potentially life-threatening.
The court heard that she should make a good physical recovery but will be left with scarring at the site of her injuries.
Sentence was deferred on first offender Atutie for the preparation of a background report and the judge ordered he should continue to be remanded in custody.
He is due to be sentenced at the High Court in Stirling on 5 August.
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