Newport, Isle of Wight – A serving prisoner in HMP Isle of Wight received an additional custodial sentence for brutally attacking a staff member unexpectedly. Robert O’Keefe, a 37-year-old inmate at the prison, appeared before the IW Magistrates’ Court via video link from the facility on Friday, January 7, under the watchful eye of prison officers. O’Keefe pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) in connection with an incident that occurred on June 14 of the previous year.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that O’Keefe had been brought from the segregation unit to engage in a video call at 2pm, which was unfortunately not functioning due to technical issues. At first, O’Keefe was described as being somewhat agitated but compliant. However, he began interacting with other inmates, a behavior he was not permitted to engage in. When instructed by prison officers to stop, O’Keefe inexplicably launched a violent attack on one of the officers, punching him three times in the face and causing him to fall to the ground. The assault resulted in the officer sustaining two broken veneers and severe bleeding from his mouth.
Despite his scheduled appearance for a family court hearing via video link on the day of the incident, O’Keefe’s defense attorney, Nick Muir, acknowledged that heightened emotions were not an excuse for his client’s actions. O’Keefe, already serving an indeterminate sentence at HMP Parkhurst for sexual and violent offenses committed in 2010, will now face an additional 36-week custodial sentence concurrent with his existing term.
In the aftermath of the assault, the officer detailed the excruciating medical treatment he underwent and the lasting impact it had on him. Magistrates overseeing the case expressed their inability to demand court costs, a surcharge, or compensation from O’Keefe due to his status as a serving prisoner without financial means. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by staff members in correctional facilities and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being while carrying out their duties in often challenging environments.