A SERVING prisoner has been sentenced for a "deeply unpleasant" attack on emergency workers.

Derren Kilbride, an inmate at HMP Berwyn, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old admitted that on June 21 last year at the Wrexham jail, he assaulted three prison officers by beating them.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that on the day of the offence, Officer Liam Ashton-Farr asked the defendant to return to his cell as all prisoners were being secured after a period of exercise.

He refused, telling the officer: "Put your hands on me and see what happens."

As the officer took hold of him, the defendant punched him twice in the torso - then bit his leg as he was taken to the ground.

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As two more officers - Caitlin Latham and Matt Robertson - stepped in to help, Kilbride spat in their faces.

In a victim personal statement, Officer Robertson said: "I am aware of the risks involved in my chosen career, but I don't attend work to be spat at."

Vicky Balenski, defending, told the court her client was trying to acquire a vape - which she said prisoners are allowed - before returning to his cell, when Officer Ashton-Farr told him: "Do what I say now, or you'll get twisted up."

She said: "That is what caused the confrontation; the way in which he was told what to do, and what would happen if he didn't."

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The Leader:

Ms Balenski added that there had been an issue between the defendant and Officer Ashton-Farr previously.

Within ten minutes of the incident, he apologised to the other two officers who became involved, whom he spat at.

Deputy District Judge Lee Davies told the defendant his behaviour had been "deeply unpleasant."

He handed down a 10 week custodial sentence, to be served consecutively to the defendant's ongoing jail term.

Mr Kilbride must pay a £154 victim surcharge on his release.