A violent criminal who claimed to be a police officer during a street attack and robbery on a university student was jailed for five years and four months yesterday.
Michael Mortimer carried out assaults on two strangers within a week in Aberdeen seeking cash and valuables after returning to abusing street drugs.
A judge told the prolific offender at the High Court in Edinburgh: “Since 2000 you have been a menace to society. Over almost two decades you have repeatedly offended.”
Lord Woolman said: “The offences which have brought you to court are nasty. You subjected two strangers to frightening ordeals.
He ordered that Mortimer be kept under supervision for a further three year period following his release.
The 35-year-old struck first on February 8 this year when he approached a man loading items into the boot of his car in Ferryhill Gardens.
Mortimer asked James Warrender what the time was but when the 27-year-old checked his watch he found himself pinned against the vehicle by the thug, who told him he wanted “everything he had”.
He began repeatedly striking his victim on the head and although Mr Warrender struggled and tried to get away he was caught and restrained.
Advocate depute Alan Cameron earlier told the High Court in Edinburgh: “The accused grabbed him from behind with both hands and kneed him in the back, forcing him to the ground, where he held his victim across the chest with his right arm and used his left hand to cover his mouth.”
Mortimer made off with Warrender’s wallet, keys and mobile phone.
The offender struck again six days later when he targeted Aberdeen University student Nam Vo, 37.
Mr Cameron said: “The accused said he was a policeman and asked to see the complainer’s identity card.
“The complainer asked to see proof that he was a policeman and the accused opened his jacket but there was no identification there.”
Mr Vo began to shout for help but Mortimer grabbed him and forced him into a bus shelter, demanding money and beating the student until he took out his wallet. He snatched the wallet and fled.
Mortimer, a prisoner at Grampian jail, admitted committing both assault and robberies, when he earlier appeared in court.
Mr Cameron said that unemployed Mortimer has previous convictions for more than 100 offences.
Defence counsel David Moggach said that after his release from his last prison sentence, Mortimer was housed at temporary accommodation and came into contact with other residents who were using drugs.
“Despite wishing to remain drug free he gave in to temptation and started using illicit street drugs,” he said.
“In his desperation he succumbed to robbing two people in the street.”
Mortimer told a social worker he was “an idiot” and said: “I regret it big time. I created victims for nothing.”
