Holiday Horror: Dad Stabbed Trying to Stop Fight

A dispute at Flamingo Land Resort led to a violent stabbing, leaving a holidaymaker fighting for his life. The incident occurred just after 1 am on Thursday, September 18, last year, when Joshua Donnelly, 22, stabbed a 38-year-old man three times in the abdomen. The victim had attempted to de-escalate a domestic argument involving Donnelly and his partner.

Donnelly used a kitchen knife from the caravan and inflicted wounds that caused a punctured colon, necessitating emergency surgery for the victim. The victim, from the Scottish Borders, was on holiday with his family. Donnelly fled the scene but was apprehended later that day by Cleveland Police.

Joshua Donnelly pleaded guilty to Section 18 wounding with intent and was sentenced on Friday, June 12, at York Crown Court to four and a half years imprisonment. Police Investigator Liberty Ashton highlighted the severity of the attack and its lasting impact on the victim and his family, expressing hope for their comfort.

The victim's personal statement revealed the profound psychological and physical toll the unprovoked attack has had. His 15-year-old son has become withdrawn and fearful, while the victim himself struggles with nerve damage in his leg, impacting his mobility and employment. The family has faced significant financial and emotional distress.