Half-Brother of Hollywood Star James McAvoy Admits to Prison Blade Attack
Donald McAvoy, the 36-year-old half-brother of acclaimed Hollywood actor James McAvoy, has pleaded guilty to a vicious blade attack on a fellow inmate during visiting hours at HMP Saughton prison. The assault, which was captured on CCTV footage, left victim Colin Lindsay with severe injuries and permanent facial disfigurement.
Horrific Incident During Family Visiting Time
The shocking attack occurred on October 21, 2025, at approximately 4pm as prisoners were concluding their visits with family and friends. Prosecutor Alexandria Kirk described to the High Court in Edinburgh how McAvoy swiped a concealed blade across Lindsay's face in the visiting area, where young children were present just moments before.
"Other prisoners assisted the complainer as the accused backed away," Ms Kirk told the court. "Prison officers reacted to take control of the accused who was apologising to the other prisoners and their families and friends saying 'I done what I needed to do'."
Remarkably, just a few feet away from the violent assault, another inmate appeared completely oblivious to what had happened as he played with a toddler. Prison staff were seen running to restrain McAvoy, who had hidden the blade in his clothing.
Previous Criminal History and Legal Proceedings
Donald McAvoy, from Drumchapel in Glasgow, has more than 40 previous convictions including numerous violent crimes. He was due for release in March 2025 but received an additional 15-month sentence after admitting to possessing illegal razor blades and an illicit mobile phone SIM card in his cell at Glenochil Prison in Clackmannanshire.
In September 2021, authorities discovered razor blades partially wrapped in plastic and stuck to McAvoy's toilet door with a magnet. His solicitor, Ian Sievwright, explained that McAvoy had only recently admitted to these offences because he initially believed the recovered item was a tool he used for soap carving as part of his prison hobby activities.
Family Connection and Financial Inheritance
McAvoy shares a father with Hollywood star James McAvoy, though the two were brought up separately and are believed to have never met. During sentencing proceedings at Falkirk Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Donald McAvoy had received a "sizeable legacy" from his late father's estate while serving his prison sentence.
"He has inherited a sizeable amount of money from his father's estate, and that may allow him the financial resources to avoid criminality when he is eventually released," Mr Sievwright told the court. "He's been a prisoner for a long time, and he is determined for his daughter's sake that when he leaves prison he will lead a pro-social lifestyle."
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Sheriff Wyllie Robertson imposed a 15-month sentence to run consecutively with McAvoy's existing terms, stating: "These are serious offences. Their gravity has to be reflected." The case has already prevented McAvoy from obtaining parole, meaning he will now have to serve his full sentence.
Victim Colin Lindsay required immediate medical treatment following the attack and was later returned to prison after being seen by doctors. The court heard that authorities have been unable to establish a motive for the assault. Defence advocate Kenneth Cloggie indicated he would address the court once Judge McFadyen obtained background reports about McAvoy's character, with sentencing scheduled for later this year.
McAvoy previously appeared in Falkirk Sheriff Court for multiple offences including a road-rage attack on a 57-year-old grandfather. He observed the recent High Court proceedings via video link from prison as the legal process continues.
