Malcolm Potier jailed for strangling woman at London Coliseum

Malcolm Potier, 75, has been sentenced to two years imprisonment for strangling Kirsty O'Donnell at the London Coliseum. Jurors at Southwark Crown Court found Potier guilty of non-fatal strangulation following an incident in June 2023. The attack occurred after Ms O'Donnell and a friend sang along to the performance of 'We Will Rock You'.

Court proceedings and prior conviction

Potier, a businessman and surveyor from Sarratt near Watford, stated he had no recollection of the event or the attack. Judge Dafna Spiro described his behaviour as 'extreme and horrific' and noted it was an unusual offence. She observed a pattern of 'dominance, control and lack of accountability' in his actions. The court heard that Potier had a prior conviction in Australia dating back two decades, for which he received a six-year sentence in 2002 for inciting the murder of a former partner. He received a further 12-year sentence in 2006 for attempting to arrange her murder again.

The incident and its aftermath

During the performance, Ms O'Donnell and a friend began singing, prompting a negative reaction from Potier's theatre critic partner, Lizzie Loveridge. When Ms O'Donnell described the reaction as 'rude', Potier responded by saying 'I'll show you what rude is' before attacking her. The assault lasted only a few seconds. Ms O'Donnell reported to the judge that she is now 'more wary' of her surroundings and 'far more conscious' of her physical safety. She expressed a desire to set an example for young women, stating that such behaviour is unacceptable. She also mentioned hearing Potier laughing in court and discussing his belief that his age might prevent a prison sentence.

Investigation and arrest

Potier and Ms Loveridge were identified and located after Ms Loveridge had given her business card to Ms O'Donnell. Potier was arrested in November 2023. The attack occurred at the London Coliseum, a venue in the City of London.