A prison inmate, Donald Gaote-Oueyeya, was sentenced to an additional four years in prison for assaulting another prisoner, John Henry Sayers, by slashing him in the neck. The incident took place at HMP Frankland in April last year, leaving Sayers hospitalized.
Gaote-Oueyeya, who was already serving a life sentence for a prior crime committed in London, attacked Sayers with a makeshift blade during a period of recreational time at the prison. Sayers suffered multiple injuries, including a deep laceration to his neck, wounds to his forehead and finger. The weapon used in the attack was never found.
During the assault, a prison officer also sustained injuries while trying to intervene. Despite the incident, Gaote-Oueyeya expressed remorse for unintentionally causing harm to the officer. In court, the officer described the lasting impact of the incident on his work and safety concerns within the prison environment.
Gaote-Oueyeya’s defense acknowledged his actions were inexcusable, citing his fear of repercussions for seeking help. The judge noted Gaote-Oueyeya’s previous good behavior in prison and anticipated a return to such conduct after relocation.
Following a sentencing hearing via video link, Gaote-Oueyeya received a four-year term for wounding with intent and a concurrent nine-month term for assault causing bodily harm. These sentences are to be served alongside his existing imprisonment.
