Christopher Henry Hall (45) called prison officers to his cell last year after reporting that he was self-harming and then lurched towards them, swinging at one officer with the razor.
He made no contact with the officer but Hall was covered in blood, which went onto the officer’s clothes and into his mouth.
The court heard that the prison officer had suffered months of stress following the ordeal.
Hall was sentenced to 12 months in prison by the Royal Court yesterday, and the defendant, who has committed more than 180 offences, was told by Deputy Bailiff Robert Macrae: ‘You are 45 years old and your list of previous convictions runs to over four pages. Even by the standards of this court, that is exceptional.
‘This case concerns yet another assault, this time on a prison officer who was just doing his job.
‘This court has said before prison officers are entitled to the courts’ protection. It is a difficult job and it needs to be understood by prisoners that they can expect severe punishments.’
Crown Advocate Emma Hollywood, prosecuting, said a call was made on the intercom system in the defendant’s cell at 22 August at 6.57pm.
He said he had self-harmed and two prison officers and a health care officer were sent to the cell and reported seeing cuts on Hall’s arms.
He had blood on his clothes and arms. As they entered the cell, Hall moved towards the officers in an aggressive manner and swore at them before swinging at one officer with his right hand.
One officer managed to move away but during the incident blood had sprayed onto his clothes and he could taste blood in his mouth. It had come from the defendant.
The wing was placed on lockdown before Hall surrendered the blade and had his wounds tended to.
Hall refused twice to be taken to police headquarters to be interviewed about the incident, and when he was released from prison he was immediately arrested and interviewed. He admitted he did swing at the officer.
Advocate James Bell, defending, said at the time his client was suffering with mental-health issues and from the outset had admitted his guilt.
He had apologised to the prison officer in question and told him the incident was not personally aimed at him.
Advocate Bell added it was a ‘spur-of-the-moment thing’ and was not premeditated.
The Deputy Bailiff said: ‘We hope that this time in custody will be an opportunity to receive some help and we hope on your release you make sure you get the help offered.
‘Although you have a long list of convictions, it is never too late.’
