UPDATE: A Sheffield man has been sentenced after a series of violent assaults linked to a predatory crime gang. Gary McDonnell, aged 36, appeared in Sheffield Crown Court today, where he was handed a 24-month suspended sentence for multiple assaults, including attacks on police officers that left one needing surgery.
This urgent case highlights the dangerous exploitation of vulnerable individuals by organized crime groups (OCGs). McDonnell was forced into bare-knuckle fighting, suffering severe injuries that have contributed to his complex PTSD diagnosis. His lawyer, Curtis Dunkley, revealed that McDonnell’s violent behavior stemmed from serious mental health issues rather than malicious intent.
The violent incidents occurred over two separate dates: initially on April 4, 2025, and again on August 5, 2025. During the first incident, police responded to reports of disturbance at McDonnell’s home, where he was seen threatening to jump from his balcony while brandishing an object. Authorities reported he resisted arrest and assaulted officers, causing significant injuries.
“You were shouting from a balcony and threatening to throw yourself off,” Judge Richard Paige stated during sentencing. McDonnell’s aggressive outbursts resulted in multiple assaults, including headbutting an officer and kicking another while in custody.
The second violent episode involved a dispute with his neighbor, where McDonnell smashed his own window, injuring her and threatening her with a weapon described as an axe or hammer. Police were dispatched, and McDonnell assaulted an officer, dislodging cartilage in his nose. The officer, now awaiting surgery, expressed distress over being assaulted while performing his duties.
“I do not expect or accept being violently assaulted when I’m just doing my job,” the officer stated in court.
McDonnell, who has a criminal history with 71 offences from 31 convictions, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of assault. His history includes previous violent crimes and a community order for recent offenses. During the hearing, his defense emphasized his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, attributing his actions to ongoing threats from the OCG that exploited him.
Despite being deemed a high risk of reoffending, McDonnell has reportedly made strides in addressing his issues. He appeared in court via video link, displaying certificates of his progress with sobriety while in custody. His defense argued that a custodial sentence would hinder his ongoing recovery and stability.
Judge Paige granted McDonnell a chance for rehabilitation, warning him that the suspended sentence will remain active. He must complete a six-month alcohol treatment program and adhere to a restraining order against his neighbor.
As McDonnell learned of his sentence, he expressed remorse, stating, “I’m sorry to everyone…I’m not going to be here again, I’m going to get off drugs and alcohol…I’m actually proud of myself for once.”
This case underscores the urgent need for support systems for individuals victimized by crime gangs and highlights the broader implications of mental health issues in criminal behavior.
