Bold statement: One reckless act can shatter multiple lives, and the full story behind this Portobello incident exposes how quickly violence can erupt in a public space. But here’s where it gets controversial: should more be done to address the factors that background this case, such as prior behavior, policing, and the use of weapons in public assaults? And this is the part most people miss—the aftermath for the victims and the community often lasts far longer than the courtroom headlines.
An Edinburgh man, 22-year-old Amar Mudawi, has admitted attempting to murder two teenagers near Portobello beach. He pleaded guilty to stabbing charges that occurred on 12 April 2025 at Portobello Promenade and Mentone Avenue.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the assaults were recorded by CCTV and a ring doorbell, providing clear video and audio of the events.
Sentencing is scheduled for 14 January, after background reports are prepared.
Details from the court reveal that Mudawi, who lived in Portobello, arrived at the scene in a car with four others. CCTV footage shows him walking decisively toward the promenade, where he confronted an 18-year-old. The younger teen stepped back, and a 17-year-old intervened in defense, receiving a punch from Mudawi. Mudawi then struck the 17-year-old on the neck with a bladed instrument.
The 18-year-old fled to a nearby residence on Mentone Avenue to seek aid. When he pressed the doorbell, a camera captured the ensuing events, including Mudawi’s arrival and a repeated stabbing to the head and neck with a pair of scissors.
During the attack, Mudawi could be heard saying, “this is what thieves get.”
Both victims were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. The 17-year-old sustained a superficial neck wound, with doctors noting the blade narrowly missed his jugular vein. He bears a one-inch scar and continues to cope with PTSD. He told police he did not recognize his attacker and described the incident as abrupt and unexpected.
The 18-year-old sustained two head wounds, another on the neck, and a fractured left wrist. He declined to provide a police statement.
The defense offered no mitigation in court. It was also revealed that Mudawi was on bail at the time of the attacks, and he remains due in court on separate drugs charges.
In reflecting on this case, many questions arise: How can communities balance public safety with addressing underlying issues that may lead to such violence? What preventive measures, policing strategies, and support systems could reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future? Do you think the sentence will reflect the severity of the harm caused, and what steps should be taken to support the victims and prevent recurrences within the community?
