The Fall Guy

On November 8th, 2002, Glasgow artist James Donnelly (JD) had his home on London Road illegally searched by police in connection with missing royal jewels. JD’s home in Glasgow, known for its political messages, reflects his hope of connecting people with his story. A product of a broken system, JD feels abandoned and forgotten.

JD has always maintained his innocence, fighting relentlessly to clear his name since the incident. He claims the fallout has cost him dearly, including the loss of family relationships, most painfully, his own daughter. He continues to live in a damaged home plagued by frequent flooding and electrical issues caused during the search.

Despite the profound injustice, JD has received no compensation and no communication from the police to address the damage inflicted on him and his property. The experience has left him deeply isolated, suffering both mentally and physically, with his trust in the system completely shattered. A true Glasgow character whose life has been torn apart by police misconduct, will JD ever find peace?

Portrait of artist JD (James Donnelly) in a beanie and glasses standing with a black and brown dog inside an art studio, surrounded by paintings and art supplies. Image shot as part of JD and the Jewels documentary photography project.
Graffiti on a corrugated metal fence with text "COPS FIX JDs HOUSE" and a face drawing. Image shot as part of JD and the Jewels documentary photography project.
A wooden surface displaying a stack of documents and a photograph. The documents include letters from the Strathclyde Police, with visible handwritten notes and annotations. The photograph shows a person sitting indoors wearing a sweater and glasses.
Room with shelves displaying various toy robots and action figures, books, paintings, and artist JD wearing a dark beanie. Image shot as part of JD and the Jewels documentary photography project.
Old wooden door with handwritten message, surrounded by floral curtain. Image shot as part of JD and the Jewels documentary photography project.
Artist JD (James Donnelly) standing in a cluttered yard with eclectic artwork on a van. Image shot as part of JD and the Jewels documentary photography project.
A wall with colorful, graffiti-style artwork and political messages. The art depicts various figures and text, including phrases like "The real virus" and "Gagged." JD stands with a dog in front of the wall.
White building with graffiti reading 'Crown Jewels' amidst autumn trees and shrubs. Image shot as part of JD and the Jewels documentary photography project.