Man jailed for four and a half years after 'terrible, vicious' and 'senseless' stabbing at Flamingo Land

Joshua Donnelly, 22, of Duxford Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to the offence of Section 18 wounding with intent and was sentenced today (June 12) at York Crown Court.

The incident happened at at Flamingo Land resort near Pickering, just after 1am on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Donnelly stabbed the victim with a four-inch black-handled knife that he had got from the caravan’s kitchen drawer.

This was in the wake of a domestic dispute Donnelly had been having with his partner, during which the victim had attempted to calm the situation down.

Donnelly stabbed him three times in his abdomen.

The 38-year-old from the Scottish Borders, who was on a family holiday and staying in a nearby caravan, had to be rushed to hospital by ambulance for emergency surgery due to a punctured colon.

With police officers heading to the crime scene, Donnelly made off from the holiday park.

Following extensive enquiries and searches, a car he was travelling in was stopped by officers over the Cleveland Police border later that day.

Donnelly was arrested and taken into custody in Scarborough for questioning.

Crucially, a gardener at the holiday park located the knife which had been discarded in bushes.

It was forensically linked to Donnelly and the victim.

Key evidence was also gathered from a several witnesses and CCTV covering the area.

Donnelly was charged and appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on September 20 where he was remanded in custody due to the seriousness of the offence and the risk he posed to the public.

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. They have had to learn to live with everything that this senseless violent act has left behind.

“I really hope the outcome at court provides them with some comfort and strength to move forward with their lives.”

Victim personal statement read out in court (adapted to protect identities)

“What was a family holiday, has turned into a nightmare, not only for myself but my wider family too.

“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.

“I feel my life has changed completely and I have struggled dealing with what has happened. Talking about this now, has put a lump in my throat, and I never used to be a crier. I have been through a lot in life however this has knocked me, I have never experienced anything like this. I never would have imagined I would have.

“I’m feeling helpless. It’s been hard and I have a lot I still need to deal with. My mental health because of the incident has massively declined. I would describe it as mental torture.

“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.

“My difficulties with mobility have not only affected my employment, but my home life, we have had to adjust. My partner took on the care responsibilities for me particularly when I first came home from hospital. We couldn’t have ever imagined to taking on these roles so early on in life especially under these circumstances.

“I could not get upstairs in our home for over a month. We had to get a bed for the living room, and my partner slept downstairs beside me on the sofa in case I needed her through the night.

“We got a bath board for me; I had to be washed by my partner due to not being capable of doing so myself. It was horrible. I remember the first time I showered alone, I cried as it was such a big moment for me.

“Despite no longer being on medication, the mental toll and long-term physical effects will be something I will carry with me for the foreseeable.

“I have not slept decently since the stabbing; my mind plays the events repeatedly. I relive it.”