A PRISONER who headbutted an officer has been given a longer sentence as cases like this are reaching an 'alarming scale', says judge.

Steven Lovell, of no fixed abode, appeared at Mold Crown Court for attacking an emergency worker.

On August 10, Lovell attacked prison guard Stuart Bould whilst at HMP Berwyn and left him with a cut lip and fractured tooth, resulting in him paying £64 in dental fees.

Prosecuting Paulinus Barnes said the incident happened when Lovell was taken to the medical patch but was refused medication after health staff believed he was under the influence of illicit drugs.

He became ‘aggressive’ and ‘angry’ and another officer was called to help restrain Lovell who was shouting, screaming and swearing.

The court heard how as Lovell got closer to his wing he ‘seemed fine’ before becoming ‘irate and argumentative’ again and because ‘more aggressive’.

The 49-year-old, who is serving a six-year-sentence, lunged towards the prison offer and punched the back of his head.

As a result, Mr Bould ended up with a cut lip, fractured tooth and had to take five days off work.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Bould said he thought he was 'ok’ to return to work but on reflection he ‘returned too early’.

He added he has not been working to his ‘usual standard’ and the incident has 'affected his confidence' and has made him question whether ‘this is the right job’ for him.

Lovell admitted the offence and ‘took full responsibility’ when interviewed and wanted to apologise to the officer.

Defence counsel Martin Pizzey said Lovell regrets the incident and it was 'not planned'.

He added that he has had ‘considerable difficulties’ in life and told the court Lovell was attacked in prison years before, which resulted in ‘significant trauma’.

The barrister said Lovell had been diagnosed with PTSD, potentially as a result of that trauma, and had also been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Mr Pizzey went on to say Lovell was ‘really, really sorry’ and his regret was ‘genuine, immediate and wholesome’.

Judge Niclas Parry said the court would do all it can to protect prison officers.

He added: “The number of assaults on officers working within the prison establishment is reaching alarming scales.

"The court will do everything they can to protect those who work to keep inmates safe.

"Assaults such as these affect morale. Good people are leaving the service and it affects prison discipline.”

Judge Parry said Lovell became ‘angry’ at officers trying to help him and ‘headbutted’ the officer.

He added that using his head is ‘akin to using a weapon’ and the matter was aggravated by a ‘very, very bad record of burglary and violence’.

Lovell was given a 6-month custodial sentence to run consecutively to the sentence he is currently serving.