Prisoner who threw boiling water and sugar over a fellow inmate sentenced to additional 22 months

24-year-old left victim with 'severe burns'

Report from BBC Isle of Man.

A prisoner who threw a "cocktail" of boiling water and sugar over a fellow inmate has been sentenced to an additional 22 months.

In an attack which followed an argument in the prison's gym, 24-year-old Connor Lewis left his victim with severe burns on the left-hand side of his face and neck.

Douglas Courthouse also heard CCTV footage caught Lewis entering the man's Jurby prison cell on 11 September 2023 while carrying a mug, before leaving a few seconds later.

Deemster Graeme Cook said the fact that Lewis had been a serving prisoner at the time of the attack was an "extremely aggravating factor".

The court heard Lewis and the other inmate were seen speaking in the gym before ending their conversation with a fist bump.

A short time later the two men were captured talking again, but on that occasion Lewis's body language was said to have been intimidating.

Later that morning footage showed him entering the other man's cell while carrying a protein shake mug filled with a clear liquid,

The mug was empty when Lewis left a few seconds later, the court heard.

Lewis allegedly said: "You won't speak to me like that again" as he threw the scalding liquid over the other man.

The victim was treated for second degree burns after a prison officer noticed red marks on his face, neck and torso.

Douglas Courthouse heard a search of Lewis's cell had found spilt sugar granules next to the kettle.

Prosecutors said the attack had been "premeditated" after the other man had "declined his invitation to offer protection".

They said Lewis intentionally added sugar to the boiling water so as to cause increased harm when it was thrown.

At the time of the attack, Lewis was serving a prison sentence, imposed in 2021, for burglary and robbery.

Lewis admitted assaulting his fellow inmate, causing actual bodily harm.

Deemster Cook said that while there had been no statement of complaint from the victim, the evidence against Lewis was "overwhelming" and there was no justification for his actions.

Lewis will be on an extended licence for two years following his release.