James Dornan reveals attempted murder charge as a teenager

In 1968, James Dornan, who is now a 72-year-old Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Glasgow Cathcart, was involved in a violent incident that led to his arrest in Glasgow, Scotland. At the age of 15, he was charged with attempted murder after a fight erupted on the streets of Battlefield in Glasgow. The incident began when one of Dornan's friends confronted two young boys, prompting Dornan to intervene by punching one of them. Unbeknownst to Dornan, this act led to the victim being struck seriously by another boy wielding a blunt weapon. Initially faced with grave consequences, Dornan’s charge was later downgraded to common assault, representing the least severe violent crime in Scotland. His actions carried significant emotional turmoil for him and his family, particularly the shame he felt for disappointing his parents, especially knowing that his father upheld a strict moral code. In his reflections, Dornan cites ongoing guilt about the situation, which he describes as a burden that has persisted throughout his adult life, lingering in the background like a curse. The release of the Netflix drama “Adolescence,” which examines themes of toxic masculinity, prompted Dornan to disclose his past, seeking to contextualize his youthful indiscretion in light of today's societal values. He articulated how important it was for him to reconcile with his past as a young man who made reckless decisions without understanding the repercussions. Dornan expressed admiration for the portrayal of these themes in the show, hoping it fosters dialogue regarding male identity and behavior in society. In summary, Dornan’s experience is a stark reminder of how youthful misjudgments can have long-lasting effects not just on the individual but on the broader community as well, and he hopes his story can contribute meaningfully to discussions about personal responsibility and the ongoing challenges of growing up in a tough environment.