An inmate who slashed a prison officer's throat with razor blades at HMP Nottingham has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. Michael Dye, the victim, required 17 stitches for a 10cm wound to his neck after the attack on 14 April.
Nottingham Crown Court heard that Dye was 'lucky' an artery was not hit. Michael McKenna, 25, admitted wounding with intent and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to another prison officer, as well as racially-aggravated threatening behaviour towards a detention officer.
The court was told that McKenna, who had arrived at the prison the day before, approached Dye while holding two blades from prison issue razors. Prosecutor Alan Murphy said McKenna 'lunged' at Dye without reason. CCTV showed McKenna also attempting to slash officer Alexander Malcolm.
Judge Gregory Dickinson QC described the attack as 'premeditated' and carried out 'without warning, without reason'. Both officers continue to work, but Dye's statement said the scarring acts as a 'constant reminder'.
Andy Baxter of the Prison Officers Association said the attack impacts staff morale and mental wellbeing, noting that HMP Nottingham remains 'an incredibly difficult prison to work in'. He added that Dye is well-liked and that it is 'a miracle' his injuries were not worse.
