AN inmate who assaulted two prison officers in a cell at a Worcestershire high security jail has had another year added to his sentence.

Roy Sawyers, aged 26, who was already serving an 11-year sentence at Long Lartin jail, near Evesham, repeatedly punched a male officer and then kicked a woman colleague as he lashed out with his leg, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Sawyers, originally from London, denied assaulting the officers, Ashley Perks and Gemma Pinney, but was found guilty by a jury.

Judge Robert Juckes told Sawyers, who appeared via a video link from jail, the level of injury to Mr Perks had been high and his kick to Ms Pinney caused her to “double up” and go down on to all fours outside the cell because of the pain.

He sentenced Sawyers to an extra 12 months in jail.

Jason Aris, prosecuting, said officers were trying to get Sawyers to clear his cell before taking him to make a phone call on May 22 last year.

He threw his food bowl at one of them, pulled the door open and the officer fell forward into the cell, landing on top of Sawyers on the bed.

Mr Aris added that Sawyers repeatedly punched Mr Perks, causing cuts to his face, and Ms Pinney was on the receiving end of a kick.

Both officers needed hospital treatment and had time off work.

Michael Mason, defending, said there was no premeditation to the attack, which happened when he reacted after the officers took him “by surprise”.

“Tempers can escalate in prisons over the smallest of issues,” added Mr Mason.

“He was upset about something. They didn’t try to find out the problem.

“Instead they shut the door in his face. They could have handled it better.”