A “dangerous and violent” incident at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham has resulted in a two-year jail sentence for inmate Luke Donner, who assaulted three prison guards. One officer was left with severe facial injuries that were so traumatic, his daughter couldn’t bear to look at him afterward. The judge branded Luke Donner, 30, as “dangerous and violent” following his assaults on prison officers at HMP Berwyn.
The incidents occurred over a two-day period when Donner became agitated for not being allowed out of his cell. Despite being denied permission, Donner reacted violently towards the officers. The situation escalated with Donner assaulting multiple guards, causing significant harm to one officer’s face. Donner pleaded guilty to wounding and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker during the incidents that took place on May 27 and May 28 last year.
Prosecutor Matthew Dunford detailed the events at Mold Crown Court, where it was revealed that Donner’s actions led to the officers being physically harmed. These altercations left one prison guard with a three-centimetre wound to his forehead and a two-centimetre wound to his right cheekbone, among other injuries. The officers required medical attention at the Countess of Chester Hospital due to the extent of their injuries.
The court heard that the severe injuries inflicted on one officer affected his relationship with his young daughter, who was too frightened to look at his injured face. This emotional impact led the officer to reassure his daughter that his injuries were accidental, not caused by someone acting maliciously. Subsequently, both officers have been more cautious in their roles within the prison system since the incidents.
Despite Donner opting not to have legal representation, he engaged in a motivational programme while in custody. Judge His Honour Niclas Parry, addressing Donner via video link from HMP Manchester, described him as a persistent threat due to his violent tendencies. At the time of the attacks, Donner was already serving a ten-year sentence for grievous bodily harm, indicating a pattern of violent behaviour.
Judge Parry emphasised the seriousness of assaults on prison officers, stating that such attacks undermine the fundamental purpose of imprisonment. He highlighted that addressing such issues is crucial, particularly at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, to maintain a safe environment for both staff and inmates. Consequently, Donner was handed a 20-month prison sentence for wounding the officer and an additional four months for each count of assaulting an emergency worker, to be served concurrently.