A man who violently slashed a female prison officer’s throat has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Thomas Mongan, 30, appeared in Craigavon Magistrates’ Court charged with grievous bodily harm with intent following the incident in Maghaberry Prison on March 13, 2017.
Mongan had been initially charged with attempted murder, but entered a guilty plea when the charge was lessened to one of GBH with intent.
A previous court sitting heard how the defendant, who has to be escorted by two officers at all times, used an implement to slash the prison guard’s throat just below the ear. She suffered what has been described as “horrific injuries”.
Commenting on Friday’s sentencing, Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Ronnie Armour, said: “This was a calculated and vicious attack on a prison officer who was simply doing her job and supporting the people in her care.
“I would like to thank our colleagues in the PSNI and Public Prosecution Service for bringing this case before the courts and I hope today’s sentence will act as a deterrent and demonstrate that any assault on prison staff will not be tolerated.
“This attack has left our colleague with a horrific injury and we will continue to support her in recovery.”
The Court having taken into account the defendant’s early plea of guilt, extended Mongan’s current custodial stay by 10 years.
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