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Man jailed for throttling woman for singing during We Will Rock You

The 75-year-old was convicted of non-fatal strangulation after attacking a woman who objected to his partner's demands for quiet during the musical performance.

  • On Thursday, Judge Dafna Spiro sentenced 75-year-old Malcolm Potier to two years in prison at Southwark Crown Court after his conviction for non-fatal strangulation during a June 2023 'We Will Rock You' performance.
  • The June 7, 2023, attack occurred at the London Coliseum after O'Donnell and her friend sang along during the show, prompting Potier's partner to object; Potier then told O'Donnell, 'I'll show you what rude is' before pressing his hands against her neck.
  • O'Donnell identified Potier's partner, Lizzie Loveridge, via Facebook, leading to his arrest in November 2023; court records revealed Potier, former Laird of Gigha, previously served 18 years in Australian prisons for plotting murder.
  • Judge Spiro described the attack as 'extreme and horrific,' identifying a 'common thread of dominance, control, and lack of accountability' in Potier's behavior. O'Donnell said she pursued the case to send a message that 'violence against women and girls is something that affects too many people.'
  • A Violent Offender Order against Potier expired earlier this year despite the pending charges. O'Donnell said she remains 'more wary' of her surroundings and 'far more conscious' of her 'physical safety,' yet continues attending shows, refusing to let violence prevent her from enjoying public performances.
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Playbill broke the news on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
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