Theatregoer jailed for throttling woman at West End show

11 Sep 2026 • 6:04 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Theatregoer jailed for throttling woman at West End show

  • Former Scottish Laird Malcolm Potier, 75, has been sentenced to two years in prison for strangling a woman during a West End musical performance.
  • The incident occurred at the London Coliseum in June 2023 after victim Kirsty O’Donnell was shushed for singing along and remarked that the request was "a bit rude".
  • Potier, who previously served time in Australia for plotting the murder of his ex-partner, grabbed Ms O’Donnell by the neck after telling her "I'll show you what rude is".
  • Judge Dafna Spiro described the attack as a "wholly disproportionate response to a trivial disagreement" and issued a restraining order alongside the jail term.
  • Ms O’Donnell stated she persevered with the prosecution to ensure Potier was held accountable, sending a message against violence towards women and girls.

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