A prisoner who bit the tip off of an officer's thumb is to spend longer behind bars.

Russell Harris was handed an 18-month jail term on Tuesday after admitting a charge of actual bodily harm when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

He also admitted seven counts of being in possession of a bladed article in a prison.

The 50-year-old, who was serving a prison sentence at HMP Swaleside in Eastchurch, Sheppey, assaulted a prison officer on the morning of Monday, May 27, 2019.

Previously, on Wednesday, May 15 that year, an officer noticed a smell of fermenting liquor coming from Harris’ room and, upon searching the cell, six improvised weapons were found.

They had been hidden under a pillow, on shelving and concealed in clothes.

On May 27, staff re-entered his room to search it, as he was believed to be concealing further weapons.

But, he refused to comply.

As officers attempted to remove him, he bit one of their thumbs. This resulted in the tip being severed and a fracture, which required hospital treatment.

The search was, however, completed and officers found one more improvised weapon, which had been hidden.

Investigating officer DC Karen Hearn said: "This type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"Prison officers are aware of the dangers they can face, but they should feel safe in their role and not be subjected to physical assaults from serving prisoners.

"This sentence is a reminder that there will be consequences to this type of behaviour."

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