Man who threatened to stab juror after murder bid conviction handed extra jail time

Robert Donaghy accused the juror of laughing at him as he was taken to the cells, and issued the threat, leaving others 'visably distressed'

Man who threatened to stab juror after murder bid conviction handed extra jail timeiStock

A man who threatened to a stab a juror shortly after being convicted of attempted murder has been handed an extra three years in jail.

Robert Donaghy made the outburst as he was being taken to the cells following the verdict at the High Court in Glasgow on October 25, 2024.

The 38-year-old had become aggressive, turned towards the jury, accused one of them of “laughing” before stating the man “will get f***ing stabbed”.

A number of jurors were said to have been “visibly distressed”.

It led to Donaghy returning to the same court on Tuesday, where he had been due to stand trial for this latest offence.

But, he instead admitted to the charge of uttering threats.

The change of plea occurred after Donaghy listened to a recording of his violent remark captured in court that day.

Graham Macdonald, defending, said: “There was a position at the trial that he thought would have some success with the jury, but it was rejected.

“The remarks were overspilled emotion and surprise at the verdict.”

The advocate added the guilty plea had spared witnesses – including the juror and court staff – having to give evidence. 

Donaghy had been jailed for nine and a half years following the 2024 trial.

Lord Harrower ordered Tuesday’s three years sentence to begin from the end of that term.

The judge said: “Threatening jurors strikes at the heart of our criminal justice system.”

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