HMP Berwyn inmate in court after spitting in guard's face

Harry Jones, formerly of Coed y Craig in Penycae, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday via video link from the jail.

The 41-year-old admitted that on July 13 he assaulted prison officer Charley Kenton by beating her.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, told the court that at around 5.30pm, the victim was on duty in the Bala upper block at the prison.

At that point, the defendant was becoming "disruptive and threatening" towards another inmate.

He was told to go to his cell, and as he entered it he turned and spat directly in Officer Kenton's face.

In a statement read to the court, the officer said: "I do not come to be assaulted.

"To be spat at feels particularly degrading and disgusting.

"Although Jones has apologised for his actions, it means very little when I know this is his constant behaviour pattern."

HMP Berwyn (Image: Staff)

The defendant was unrepresented at the hearing, but GHP Solicitor Emma Simoes told the court she had known him for a "significant amount of time," and offered to share some insight with regards to his background.

"He is a man not without issues and suffers some learning difficulties," she said.

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"He has a number of mental health issues and is quite vulnerable in the community."

She asked Deputy District Judge Gerallt Jones to reflect the defendant's early guilty plea to the offence.

The Deputy District Judge said: "This just cannot be tolerated - spitting in the face of a prison officer is not acceptable."

He handed down a 16 week sentence, to be served consecutive (in addition to) Jones' ongoing custodial term.

The defendant was ordered to pay £85 costs, a £154 victim surcharge and £100 compensation.

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