Man sentenced following stabbing at HMP Winchester

A man has been jailed following the stabbing of an inmate at HMP Winchester.

Billy Edward Phillips, 22, of no fixed abode, was sentenced today (Friday 28 June) at Winchester Crown Court.

Phillips was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment having pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent at a previous hearing.

A second man, Scott John William Smith, 21, of Linnet Court, New Milton, who had previously admitted a charge of assisting an offender, will be sentenced on 5 August.

The charges relate to an incident at HMP Winchester, in Romsey Road, on Thursday 27 September last year, in which Phillips stabbed a fellow inmate in the neck.

The court heard that the weapon had been made out of a deodorant cap with a screw forced through it.

The 20-year-old victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a neck wound and nerve damage.

The court heard that after stabbing the victim, Phillips handed Smith the weapon, who then flushed it down the toilet.

Only the cap was recovered from the toilet bowl, however other screws were found in Phillips’ cell.

The incident was then reported to the police to investigate.

Speaking after the sentence hearing, Detective Constable Drew Wright said: “This was a nasty assault which could have resulted in a more serious injury.

“Staff at HMP Winchester reported this incident swiftly to the police and we were able to secure the evidence needed to bring this to court.

“These convictions and sentences show that we will work closely with HMP Winchester to investigate criminal offences that occur in the prison and to bring offenders to justice.”

Jim Bourke, Governor of HMP Winchester, said: “Tackling ongoing criminality and especially violence in prisons is a priority for us.

“This outcome sends a clear message that we will not tolerate violence and will work with police colleagues to gather evidence and secure convictions when criminal activity that takes place in prison.

“We are keen to support police investigations to improve safety. I congratulate all involved for a job well done.”