Doncaster prisoner bit jail officer leaving him 'covered in blood'

Sheffield Crown Court heard on February 17 how Akeem Thames, aged 30, was being restrained by officers at HMP Moorland, in Doncaster, and as they tried to take him to a segregated unit he bit one of them on his shoulder.

Amy Earnshaw, prosecuting, said: “He was to be relocated to a segregation unit and after refusing to be moved from one block to another a four-man team was deployed outside his door and he was asked if he was going to co-operate and he refused.”

A further officer tried to help as Thames became physical, according to Ms Earnshaw, and he was taken to the floor and this officer helped restrain him.

Ms Earnshaw added: “He immediately felt pain in a right shoulder and turned his head to see the defendant’s mouth biting into his shoulder and his shirt was covered in blood.”

The officer needed injections, according to Ms Earnshaw, and he may be left scarred.

Thames, of Lichfield Road, Stafford, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm after the attack in June, 2018.

He also admitted possessing an unauthorised mobile phone in prison from May, 2018.

Max Saffman, defending, said Thames has secured employment after his release and has remained offence-free.

Thames was sentenced to two years of custody suspended for two years.

He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 compensation.