Jamal Ahmed, aged 34, has been sentenced to six years in prison for slashing a fellow inmate across the face with a makeshift weapon during Eid celebrations at HMP Dovegate. The attack, which occurred on April 10, 2024, was described as unprovoked and left the victim with a permanent 10-centimetre scar running from his cheek to his ear.
The victim required 20 stitches at Royal Stoke University Hospital following the violent incident at the Staffordshire-based prison. Stafford Crown Court heard that the pair had shaken hands earlier that day before Ahmed launched his attack.
Court hears of attack and injuries
Prosecuting for the Crown, David Farley detailed the moment of the assault, saying: "The injury that was caused, he said, felt like a stinging sensation to his face, and he was bleeding." The makeshift weapon used by Ahmed inflicted a significant wound that necessitated urgent medical treatment at the hospital.
The victim's impact statement revealed the lasting trauma of the attack. "This incident has caused trauma to my life and a scar to my face," he said, adding that "the mark on my face will always remind me of this traumatic event." The statement highlighted the psychological and physical toll the assault has taken on his life.
Victim's bravery despite pressure
Despite pressure from "many people" not to proceed with the prosecution, the victim bravely gave evidence in court. Mr Farley noted: "Giving evidence in a case like this, in his situation, it's brave that he did." This acknowledgment underscored the challenges faced by the victim in seeking justice.
Recorder M Brown told Ahmed he came "very close" to being considered a "dangerous" individual, which would have warranted an extended sentence. This remark highlighted the severity of the offence and the judge's consideration of the public risk posed by Ahmed.
Sentence and eligibility for release
Ahmed, of no fixed address, was convicted of Section 18 Wounding with Intent. He will serve two-thirds of his six-year sentence before being eligible for release on licence. The conviction reflects the serious nature of the attack and the lasting harm caused to the victim.
The case has drawn attention to violence within the prison system and the challenges of maintaining safety during communal events. The victim's decision to testify, despite external pressures, was pivotal in securing the conviction.
