Donald McAvoy, the half-brother of Hollywood actor James McAvoy, has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison for a brutal slashing attack on a fellow inmate during visiting hours at HMP Saughton in Edinburgh. The 36-year-old pleaded guilty in March to assaulting Colin Lindsay with a bladed implement, causing severe injury, permanent disfigurement, and endangering his life.
Attack Caught on Video
Judge Norman McFadyen reviewed footage showing prison staff rushing to restrain McAvoy on October 21, 2025, while nearby an oblivious inmate played with a toddler. The judge noted that McAvoy had hidden the blade in his clothing before dragging it across Lindsay's face. Despite the severity of the attack, the judge decided against imposing an order for lifelong restriction, citing McAvoy's cognitive and language impairments.
Criminal History
McAvoy has over 40 previous convictions, including multiple violent offenses. He was already serving a five-year, ten-month sentence for various crimes, including a road-rage attack on a 57-year-old grandfather. He was due for release in March 2025 but received an additional 15 months for possessing illegal razor blades and a mobile phone SIM card in his cell at Glenochil Prison.
Motive Unknown
Prosecutor Alexandria Kirk described the attack, stating that as visiting time ended, McAvoy assaulted his victim. Other prisoners aided the victim while McAvoy backed away, apologizing and saying, 'I done what I needed to do.' Authorities have been unable to establish a motive for the assault.
Family Connection
Donald McAvoy shares a father, James McAvoy Sr., with the X-Men star, but the two were raised separately and are believed to have never met. At a previous hearing, McAvoy's lawyer noted that he had inherited a 'sizeable amount' from his late father's estate, which could help him avoid criminality upon release.
Sentence and Supervision
Judge McFadyen imposed a sentence of five years and four months, to begin after McAvoy's current terms conclude, followed by three years of supervision. The judge warned that breach of conditions could result in a return to custody. He added, 'If you take the chance you are being given today, it may be you can turn your life around and stay out of trouble.'
