Inmate's sentence extended after scalding officer

An inmate who seriously assaulted a prison officer leaving him with second-degree facial burns has been handed an 11-year extended sentence.

On 27 December 2024, Benjamin Scott, 46, a prisoner at HMP Onley in Northamptonshire, threw boiling water into the face of a prison officer before hitting him over the head with a kettle.

The victim was taken to hospital where he received treatment for his injuries including an ocular burn to his left eye, in a bid to save his sight.

Scott who is serving a 15-year jail sentence, was handed an extended sentence made up of six years in jail and an additional five years on licence on 20 March.

Northamptonshire Police said Scott was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and during a formal police interview gave a full disclosure expressing his remorse for his actions.

He said it was not a "targeted attack" and had wanted to move from the prison after feeling like he was not getting support for his declining mental health.

Following the incident, the force said he was later transferred to another prison.

At a hearing at Northampton Crown Court on 19 November last year, Scott, formerly of Sheffield, pleaded guilty to one count of grievous bodily harm with intent.

In March, he was handed an extended sentence made up of six years imprisonment with an extension of five years on licence.

Det Con Jamie Yates of CID West, whose team led the investigation, said: "This was a particularly violent, unprovoked attack by Benjamin Scott who wanted to orchestrate a move from the prison.

"Such violence has no place in our society and that includes within the prison establishment, where prison officers should be able to feel safe to perform their duties without fear for their personal safety.

"The prison officer in this case acted bravely and professionally throughout considering the seriousness of his assault and I must praise him for this."

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