Gangland jail attack on Daniels crime clan hood took place on day con was due to go on trial

Drug dealing gangland assassin James McDonald faced an attack in prison on the day he was scheduled to go on trial for a jailhouse attempted murder. McDonald, serving a life sentence for the Applerow Motors shootings in 2006, was assaulted at HMP Edinburgh. This assault occurred just days before another member of the Daniel clan, Robert Daniel, was also attacked at the same jail, also known as Saughton prison.

The attack on McDonald coincided with the day he was supposed to appear in court regarding an alleged attempt to murder fellow inmate David Gilday. Prosecutors accused McDonald of attacking Gilday with a makeshift weapon at Low Moss Prison in 2021. Despite the trial being ‘not called’ by prosecutors, McDonald, who has a history of violence and drug-related offences, has been cleared of the charges.

David Gilday, with a history of substance misuse and violent offences, has previously made headlines for a failed legal action against the Scottish Prison Service claiming a breach of his human rights. The attack on Gilday by McDonald reportedly stemmed from a falling out between the two, with Gilday intending to observe omertà, a criminal code of silence.

Following the jail attack on McDonald, two men aged 25 and 34 are set to be reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. The Crown Office stated that after reviewing the case, no further proceedings would be pursued at the moment, although the right to raise proceedings in the future remains.

In a disturbing sequence of events within the prison system, this incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges of controlling violence and criminal activities behind bars. With individuals serving sentences for serious crimes continuing to engage in violent acts within prison walls, questions arise about the effectiveness of rehabilitation and security measures in Scottish correctional facilities.

**Insights and Summary:**

The gangland jail attack on James McDonald highlights the volatile and dangerous environment within prisons, where even hardened criminals are not safe from violence. The intertwined web of criminal activities, feuds, and attempts to maintain silence among offenders adds layers of complexity to the justice system. It also raises concerns about the efficacy of rehabilitation methods and security protocols in deterring such incidents within correctional institutions. The case underscores the need for continuous evaluation and improvement of prison management strategies to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.