Teen thug who attacked three prison guards spared jail return

A TEEN thug who kicked and punched three guards in jail has been allowed to keep his freedom.

Teenager Mohammad Umar attacked three prison officers while serving time at HMP Werrington Young Offenders Institution.

During scenes of disorder, the 19-year-old attacked guards attempting to quell the chaos.

Umar has been sentenced to 10 months in a young offenders’ institution, suspended for two years.

He appeared at Stoke-ontrent Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to three charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The incident unfolded in September, 2019.

Kevin Waddingham, mitigating, said the defendant conceded it was a ‘disgraceful incident.’ He said: “He is embarrassed about his behaviour.

“He is saying, ‘Please do not send me to custody after all this time. My attitude has changed.’

“He is still a very young man. He is trying to change. He is remorseful.”

As part of the suspended sentence, Umar must complete a rehabilitation activity requirement for up to 50 days and a six month electronically-monitored curfew from 7pm to 7am.

Judge Paul Glenn said:

“You were 17 at the time of the offences. The delay is not good enough. These offences were committed in September 2019.

“There was a dispute between two other prisoners. When a prison officer tried to pull you away you punched him a number of times. Others joined in the assault. The officer was put to the ground. He was kicked. Another officer went to assist. You punched him in the face. He was punched to the floor and kicked and punched to the head and body. You punched a third officer to the back of his head and face.”

He added: “You were released from your sentence on January 22 this year.

You have gone back to the family home. You have kept appointments on licence.

“Kicking is a significant aggravating factor. This happened in prison. The victims were simply trying to do their jobs. Offences like this undermine good order in custodial establishments. That is why custody is almost inevitable.

“The question is, ‘Can I avoid returning you to a custodial setting? Is there a prospect of rehabilitation?’

“It is too early to say. I am prepared to give you a chance to keep yourself out of prison.”