A Teesside man has been jailed for four and a half years after stabbing a father three times in an unprovoked attack at a North Yorkshire holiday park. Joshua Donnelly, 22, of Duxford Road, Middlesbrough, admitted to Section 18 wounding with intent and was sentenced at York Crown Court on Friday, 12 June.
Attack at Flamingo Land Resort
The incident occurred just past 1am on Thursday, 18 September last year at Flamingo Land Resort in Kirby Misperton, near Pickering. Donnelly retrieved a four-inch black-handled knife from the caravan's kitchen drawer and attacked the victim following a domestic dispute with his partner. The victim, a 38-year-old from the Scottish Borders, had tried to defuse the situation and was stabbed three times in the abdomen.
Victim's Injuries and Aftermath
The victim suffered a punctured colon and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery. He has since experienced long-term effects, including nerve damage in his right leg, mobility issues, and psychological trauma. His 15-year-old son has become withdrawn and anxious, struggling to socialize since the attack.
Police Investigation and Sentencing
Donnelly fled the scene but was intercepted by police later that day. Police Investigator Liberty Ashton of Scarborough and Ryedale CID stated: “Due to the overwhelming evidence, Donnelly had little option but to plead guilty. This vicious offence could easily have taken an innocent man's life.” The victim said the family holiday turned into a nightmare, affecting his mobility, employment, and home life. Donnelly's sentence includes imprisonment for the violent attack.
