MAN JAILED FOR STRANGLING WOMAN AT WEST END THEATRE

Malcolm Potier, a 75-year-old former Scottish laird, has been sentenced to two years in prison for strangling a woman during a musical performance at the London Coliseum in June 2023. The victim, Kirsty O'Donnell, was singing along to the show when another theatregoer asked her to stop. After Ms O'Donnell remarked that the request was "a bit rude", Potier grabbed her by the neck and told her "I'll show you what rude is". Judge Dafna Spiro imposed the sentence alongside a restraining order.

The judge described the attack as a "wholly disproportionate response to a trivial disagreement". Potier has a previous conviction in Australia relating to plotting the murder of his ex-partner. Ms O'Donnell gave evidence during the prosecution and stated she pursued the case to hold Potier accountable and to send a message against violence towards women and girls.

The sentencing concludes the case arising from the incident at the London Coliseum during a performance of We Will Rock You. Ms O'Donnell's decision to pursue prosecution, despite the severity of the physical assault, highlighted her commitment to accountability. The restraining order issued by the court restricts Potier's conduct towards the victim going forward.