An inmate has been given more time behind bars after biting a prison guard.

Matthew Pullen appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday via video link from HMP Berwyn.

The 34-year-old, formally of no fixed abode, admitted that on June 4 last year, he assaulted Officer James Smith at the Wrexham prison, occasioning him actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court: "I have seen the injury and it is a bite mark breaking the skin - and a significant bruise."

Setting out his own defence to the court, Pullen said: "I'm sorry for what I've done but there was a build-up to that.

"I'm struggling massively with my mental health and I've not committed a crime for a long time.

RECOMMENDED READING

"But I am locked up 23 hours a day and I bit him in frustration."

Lorraine McClure, defending, added her client is currently serving an indeterminate sentence.

She asked the court to keep any custodial sentence to a minimum.

Deputy District Judge Paul Conlon issued a 26 week custodial sentence, to run consecutive to the defendant's ongoing term of imprisonment.

The Leader:

He added: "The sentence is appropriate given the severity of the assault and the fact it was committed against an officer carrying out his role.

"I note the victim personal statement by the officer - he has had a not inconsiderable impact as a result of the offence."

The Deputy District Judge ordered that Pullen must pay £154 in compensation on his eventual release.