THREE HMP Berwyn inmates who launched a 'persistent' assault on another prisoner have been sentenced.
Bradley Johnson, 25, Dylan Murray, 29, and Wayne Daley, 27, appeared before Mold Crown Court on Monday, July 29.
Daley previously pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) during a Magistrates hearing.
Murray and Johnson pleaded guilty to the same charge during a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH) on June 14.
Joshua Gorst, prosecuting, said that the incident in question had taken place on at around 10.35am on the morning of June 12, 2023.
That was the complainant in the case Derek Adamson's first day in HMP Berwyn Prison in Wrexham, Mr Gorst said.
Soon after Mr Adamson had been taken to his cell, the three other inmates arrived.
Daley and Murray entered the cell, while Johnson stood outside to prevent Mr Adamson from 'escaping', the court heard.
Mr Adamson said he felt one of the males punch him, before he managed to activate the alarm.
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He was then dragged by his throat and kicked in the head by Murray and Daley during the incident.
Johnson was also seen to be 'striking out' on the CCTV footage as Mr Adamson attempted to flee.
The three defendants were then seen walking away from the cell.
The CCTV footage showed the extent of the victim's injuries, having suffered bruising to his left and right ears, as well as swelling to his head.
He was taken to hospital a few days later, but suffered no further injuries, before being put on a different wing at the prison upon his return.
Mr Adamson said he 'did not know why' the assault took place, as he had 'no history' with the three defendants.
He said the attack had left him 'fearing that this could happen again at any time'.
The prosecution described the attack as a 'persistent assault in a group activity'.
Peter Gilmour, defending Murray, said that he was someone who suffered from emotionally unstable personality disorder and that he had spent 'most of his life in care'.
Emily Land, defending Johnson, said that he was someone who had made 'one bad decision after another', but was remorseful for this incident.
Ember-Jade Wong, defending Daley - who is already serving a 68-month sentence for wounding with intent - said that he was someone who 'in and out of trouble since his youth'.
She added that he also expressed remorse for his actions.
Sentencing the three defendants, Judge Niclas Parry said: "Violence in prison is escalating. Violence in Berwyn is becoming a crisis. It affects the safety of all prisoners and it affects the safety of staff."
Daley was handed a 10-month sentence, to run concurrently with his current 68-month sentence.
Johnson and Murray were handed 11-month sentences.
In his closing remarks, Judge Parry turned to the defendants and said: "I hope you find your time in prison as amusing as you have done in court today."
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