A man has been sentenced to five years detention in a young offenders institution for slashing a fellow prison inmate across the face with a homemade weapon described in court as "designed to cause serious and permanent injury".
Bradley Burling, now aged 20, of no fixed abode, carried out the attack in August last year at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, where both he and the victim were inmates. He had previously pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.
Attack in prison cell
David Mainstone, prosecuting, told Caernarfon Crown Court that on August 2 last year, the victim, Cameron Jennings-Williams, was in his cell when he heard a prison officer unlocking the door. As he approached the door, he was met by a male he did not know – the defendant.
The court heard Burling produced a weapon from his jogging bottoms – a toothbrush handle with a pair of razor blades melted into it – and swiped it towards the victim's face before punching him with his other hand. The defendant then walked away shouting: "You dirty b******".
Mr Jennings-Williams initially felt no pain but then realised he was bleeding from his face and was subsequently taken to hospital. Medics found a wound running from his left lower eyelid to his left cheek.
Victim left with permanent scar
In an impact statement, the victim said he had been left with a permanent facial scar which he was "paranoid" about. He added: "I don't think I will ever really forget what happened".
Euros Jones, for Burling, told the court violence was a "daily feature of life" at HMP Berwyn and said his client had been subjected to "numerous attacks" while in the prison. He said Burling had been given the weapon and threatened with violence unless he carried out the attack, adding: "There's an element of exploitation by more experienced prisoners".
The barrister asked the court to take into account the fact his client had been 19 at the time of the incident and to have in mind his mental health difficulties.
Judge's sentencing remarks
Judge Daniel Williams said the defendant had used a weapon which was "designed to cause serious and permanent injury" and said the victim suffered "permanent disfigurement" as a result of the attack.
With a one-quarter discount, Burling was sentenced to five years detention in a young offenders institution. He will serve up to half the sentence in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community.
