HMP Onley prisoner gets another 20 months on sentence for throwing cup of human waste over guard

An inmate who threw a cup of human waste over a prison officer on the instructions of a prisoner he owed a drug debt to has had another 20 months tacked onto his sentence.

Jonathan Brackenbury was already serving an indeterminate sentence for GBH with intent at Northamptonshire's HMP Onley when he was put up to the vile prank by another inmate

But the sickening practical joke is classed as administering a noxious substance in the UK and falls in the same league as using a weapon.

It means the 38-year-old - who has already been in jail for 12 years for the violent attack in 2008 - has thrown away his chance at parole next year and earned himself another 20 months inside.

Northampton Crown Court heard yesterday (October 8) how, in the repulsive incident in 2018, the guard was filing paperwork when he heard Brackenbury enter the office and say "sorry guv" before pelting him with the contents of a cup.

In the chaotic moments that followed, Brackenbury was restrained by other officers while other inmates cheered and clapped at the appalling attack. The prison was put in lockdown immediately in response.

The court heard how Brackenbury was put up to the offence by another prisoner who he owed a drug debt. He later pleaded guilty to the attack.

At Brackenbury's sentencing yesterday, Her Honour Judge Rebecca Crane: "The officer was humilated, degraded and embarrassed. He described it as the most debasing act he had suffered in his prison career, and had to take time off work. He had to explain to his family what happened, and was anxious a repeat incident would happen when he returned.

"I've read a letter of apology from you, and heard you have shown a significant improvement in behaviour and engagement with prison services since this incident in 2018.

"But the fact you had a drug debt is not a mitigating factor... This was the application of a weapon with a desire to humiliate, demean and distress."

Brackenbury - who has 13 convictions for 48 offences, and has spent more than 15 years of his life in prison - was handed an additional 20-month sentence.