Man assaulted fellow inmate at HMP Berwyn, court told

Michael Brown, formerly of Denbigh but now an inmate at HMP Stoke Heath in Shropshire, appeared for sentence at Mold Crown Court via video link on Thursday afternoon.

The 45-year-old had previously admitted to one offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Amy Edwards, prosecuting, told the court that on March 8 last year, Brown was a serving prisoner at HMP Berwyn - as was his victim Michael Munnelly.

Brown had the highest wing job, and was responsible for cleaning and serving food.

The role meant he was not in his cell as much as other inmates and could be out when prisoner moves were going on.

Munnelly also had a good job, so was often out of his cell too.

At around 8.30am on the day of the offence, the victim was coming back from the gym.

He encountered Brown, who had been waiting for him in a cell door.

The defendant threw a protein shaker bottle with hot water in it over Munnelly, and then repeatedly punched him.

The victim was also kicked after he fell to the floor.

When Brown was led away, he shouted at the victim: "Don't threaten my family," and then apologised for causing a scene.

Munnelly was treated by healthcare staff for extensive burns on his neck and a circular cut on his head from the bottle.

Michael Brown (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)He was seen by a plastic surgery department, who noted the wound had healed but was left pink in colour.

In interview, Brown accepted having carried out the attack and said there "was a background" to it - involving parcels being stolen and threats being made against family members.

Brown had 36 previous convictions for 114 offences, mostly theft and burglary related.

He is currently serving a nine year term for robbery.

Ryan Rothwell, defending, said: "The defendant is remorseful for what has happened, which is reflected by his guilty plea at the first opportunity.

"He was given a job and was trusted by the prison service.

"Witnesses speak about how surprised they are that he acted like this and I think it's an indication that he was under a significant amount of stress.

"He was under the impression at the time that threats to his family had been made."

Judge Timothy Petts said: "Clearly there's a history behind this, but on any view it's not an appropriate method for dispute resolution."

The Judge handed down a 14 month custodial term to run consecutive to Brown's ongoing sentence.