In a shocking incident at HMP Parc in Bridgend, a prisoner named Courtney Matthew, 34, threw a Thermos cup containing faeces and urine at prison officer David Ashby. The victim described the liquid as “brown” and smelling like faeces and urine, which went into his mouth and eye during the vile attack. Despite the prisoner’s claim that the cup contained “melted Maltesers”, the officer found it hard to get rid of the horrific smell from his nostrils.
The incident took place on May 25, 2023, when Mr. Ashby was conducting a “roll call” on the prison wing. He was warned by another prisoner that he was going to be targeted, and soon after, Courtney Matthew approached him with the disgusting concoction. The victim, fearing an attack, walked up a set of stairs where Matthew threw the contents of the cup at him, causing great discomfort and embarrassment.
Following the attack, Mr. Ashby struggled to remove the smell of urine and faeces from his nostrils, even after scrubbing himself in the shower until it hurt. He had to seek medical attention at the Princess of Wales Hospital and felt uneasy during the visit. The victim’s ordeal was further compounded by the fact that the defendant, Matthew, claimed he had committed the act to embarrass the prison officer.
During the sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Courtney Matthew pleaded guilty to administering a poison or noxious thing with intent to injure, aggrieve, or annoy. His defence barrister mentioned that he had been diagnosed with ADHD, offering little justification for his actions. Despite Matthew’s refusal to attend the hearing, Judge Vanessa Francis sentenced him to two years and nine months in prison, to be served consecutively with his existing sentences.
The court also heard about Matthew’s extensive criminal record, which included convictions for offences such as robbery, theft, burglary, and assault. In a victim personal statement read in court, Mr. Ashby expressed his struggles to rid himself of the smell following the harrowing incident, highlighting the lasting impact it had on him both physically and emotionally.
This disturbing attack sheds light on the challenges faced by prison officers in maintaining their safety and well-being while carrying out their duties. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks and dangers faced by those working in the corrections system, and the authorities must take appropriate measures to ensure the protection and security of all personnel within these environments.