A Scottish father of two was left fighting for his life after being stabbed three times while on a family caravan holiday at a popular resort in North Yorkshire. The 38-year-old man, from the Scottish Borders, was attacked at Flamingo Land Resort in Kirby Misperton in September 2025 after he intervened in a domestic dispute between Joshua Donnelly and his partner.
Attack and Sentencing
Joshua Donnelly, 22, pleaded guilty to Section 18 wounding with intent and was sentenced to four and a half years in prison at York Crown Court on Friday, June 12. Emergency services were called to the holiday park shortly after 1 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, after Donnelly stabbed the victim with a four-inch black-handled knife taken from the caravan's kitchen drawer.
The victim, who had been staying in a nearby caravan, attempted to calm the situation before Donnelly turned on him and stabbed him three times in the abdomen. He was rushed to hospital by ambulance for emergency surgery after sustaining a punctured colon.
Manhunt and Arrest
Donnelly fled the scene as police arrived, sparking a manhunt. He was later stopped by police while travelling in a car over the Cleveland Police border and was arrested and charged with the stabbing.
Police Investigator Liberty Ashton, from Scarborough and Ryedale CID, said: “Due to the overwhelming evidence stacked against Joshua Donnelly, he was left with very little option but to plead guilty to this terrible, vicious offence that could so easily have taken an innocent man’s life. Despite surviving the unprovoked knife attack, it has had a huge, long-term effect on the victim and his family.”
Victim Impact Statement
A victim personal statement was read out in court, with some details adapted to protect identities. The victim described how the attack turned a family holiday into a nightmare. He said: “What was a family holiday, has turned into a nightmare, not only for myself but my wider family too.”
He spoke of the profound impact on his 15-year-old son, who has become withdrawn and terrified to go out. “My son, who is 15 years old, hasn't been the same since. I worry about him. He has become a lot quieter; he used to be social and go out with his friends often. Since the incident happened, he hardly goes out with friends anymore, he is terrified.”
The victim also detailed the physical and mental toll, including nerve damage to his right leg that has affected his mobility and employment. “Because of my injuries, my nerves in my right leg have been damaged meaning it’s a lot weaker and different to what it was. I am self-conscious of the way I walk now, which I think is a big part of why I struggle to socialise.”
He added: “I have not slept decently since the stabbing; my mind plays the events repeatedly. I relive it.”
The family has faced financial hardship, with the victim nearly losing his job and having to take out a loan to cover expenses. “When I was off work initially, we were really struggling for money, we had to take out a loan from my work. Which we are still repaying, along with the added interest.”
Long-term Effects
Despite no longer being on medication, the victim said the mental and physical effects will stay with him for the foreseeable future. He has struggled to speak about the attack and has been reluctant to seek professional help, instead burying his head in the hope it would go away.
Police Investigator Ashton expressed hope that the court outcome would provide some comfort to the victim and his family. “I really hope the outcome at court provides them with some comfort and strength to move forward with their lives.”
