Daniel Marsland, 39, has been jailed for 16 months after projecting a substance containing urine and faeces towards a prison officer at HMP Manchester, also known as Strangeways. The officer felt the liquid spray into her mouth and onto her face, leaving her 'completely shaken up' and 'very emotional'.
Attack on healthcare wing
Manchester Crown Court heard that on August 15, 2024, the officer was working on the healthcare wing of the prison when Marsland was carrying out a 'dirty protest'. As she stepped in front of his cell, she felt a 'spray of liquid' hit her in the face. She could smell urine and faeces and noticed she had been covered in a 'thick brown liquid'.
The officer had been talking to another officer at the time, and some of the liquid got into her mouth. In a basis of plea document accepted by prosecutors, Marsland admitted he had sprayed the substance at the officer by spitting it from his mouth.
Judge's remarks
Judge Alan Conrad KC said Marsland's actions showed he was 'clearly mentally unwell at the time'. He also stated: "Prison officers put themselves at risk dealing with difficult situations, they should not have to be subjected to this."
Marsland, of no fixed address, was quizzed by police in November last year and denied responsibility, but later pleaded guilty to one count of administering a poison or noxious substance. The court heard he has 37 previous offences on his record and was in prison at the time for breaching his licence after being sentenced for robbery.
Remorse and sentence
Defending, Hunter Gray said Marsland had expressed remorse which the probation service deemed to be genuine, and that he had accepted 'how disgusting an act it was'. Marsland had spent four months on remand, which will count towards his sentence.
