Slashed prisoner needed 100 stitches

A PRISONER had to get almost 100 stitches after being slashed in the face and back by another inmate in the state’s most overcrowded prison.

The 23-year-old victim suffered appalling injuries after he was attacked in Cork Prison by another 23-year-old inmate wielding a blade embedded in a toothbrush handle.

The makeshift weapon, known in jails as a “shiv”, was recovered later following a search of a cell.

The incident occurred on the C2 landing of the prison at about 2.15pm last Wednesday. The area has a design capacity for 16 prisoners but there were 35 prisoners on the wing when the stabbing occurred.

The victim was rushed to Cork University Hospital where he underwent surgery. One of the wounds ran the length of his back.

Gardaí at Watercourse Road are investigating the incident.

Details of the attack emerged yesterday as the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) highlighted another assault on its members working in Cork Prison.

Two prison officers were punched and bitten by a 24-year-old prisoner on the B1 landing just after 4pm on Sunday.

The officers were on duty in the area when they were approached by a prisoner who wanted to get access to another area of the prison which is off-limits to him.

He was refused and turned to walk away but he swung back suddenly and punched both officers in their faces and bodies.

One officer fell to the ground and the prisoner grabbed his colleague and bit him on the arm. Other officers rushed to their assistance and both men were treated in the prison surgery. One required further hospital treatment and the other was seen later by his own GP.

Gardaí from Watercourse Road are also investigating that incident. The Irish Prison Service said the alleged assault is being investigated by the prison’s governor, Jim Collins.

A spokesman said it needed further information before commenting on the alleged stabbing.

The POA said both incidents, in separate areas of the jail, highlight again the serious overcrowding in Cork Prison.

“This prison, which was built over 150 years ago, has a design capacity for 150 inmates,” POA spokesman Eugene Dennehy said.

“But there were 290 inmates in there yesterday. We were up to 294 last week.”

He said the overcrowding issue has been highlighted by visiting committees and the inspector of prisons.

“We know there is no magic wand but when you pack people in like this the facilities just aren’t there to cope with it.”