[A] prisoner who threw excrement at prison guards at Haverigg has today been sentenced to a further 12 weeks in prison.
Aaron Smith, 28, admitted three charges of assault and was sentenced yesterday (28th Feb) at Barrow Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard how, on 10 August 2017 Smith stepped out of his cell and threw the contents of a bucket down onto a prison officer, who was struck on the head and neck.
The liquid was dirty and contained matter believed to be faeces.
A week later, on 17 August 2017, a prison officer working in the segregation block was passing Smith’s cell when he Smith squirted liquid from a plastic bottle through the observation hatch.
On 22 August 2017, a third prison officer was targeted. Smith had requested a toilet roll and, when the prison officer approached, Smith threw a cup containing a liquid suspected of being urine at the prison officer, landing on his face and back.
In his police interview, Smith said the contents of the bucket used in the first attack were water and tea bags, designed to look like faeces. But admitted urine was also used.
He denied urine or faeces were used in the second and third assaults.
However, Smith admitted the three assault offences at court.
Detective Sergeant Jim Rooney of Cumbria Police said: “Smith’s actions were despicable and disgusting. No person who goes to their place of work should be subjected to such behaviour.
“The impact on the individuals targeted by this type of offence can be enormous, which is why we have worked together with HMP Haverigg to make sure Smith has been held accountable for his actions. Future prisoners can rest assured that Cumbria Constabulary, in partnership with the governors and staff of HMP Haverigg, will be dealt with in the most robust means at our disposal.
“I hope the judgement today sends out a message that, wherever an assault is committed, police will investigate and seek to bring the offender to justice.”
