Convicted murderer has sentence extended for prison attack on officer
Jordan Crowley, 26, who's already serving a life sentence, caused life-threatening injuries to a prison officer in an unprovoked assault
A convicted murderer has had his prison sentence extended after attacking a prison officer, leaving him with a bleed on the brain.
Jordan Crowley, 26, was let out of his cell at HMP Whitemoor in Fenland on 14 March to see a nurse, with the condition he would return immediately. About 20 minutes later, the officer found him in the gym and instructed him to return to his cell.
Crowley refused and, when the officer tried to reason with him, Crowley suddenly punched him, causing the officer to fall and hit his head on the floor.
Other officers intervened, using PAVA spray to restrain Crowley. The victim was taken to Peterborough City Hospital and later transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where he was found to have suffered a bleed on the brain. He underwent surgery and remained hospitalised for three months, requiring further treatment after complications arose.
Crowley, formerly of Duston, Northampton, admitted grievous bodily harm without intent. At Peterborough Crown Court on 23 January, he was sentenced to an additional 32 months in prison, to be served after his current sentence.
Crowley had been jailed in 2019 for his role in the fatal stabbing of a man in Northampton, for which he was sentenced to a minimum of 34 years in prison.
Detective Constable Emma Purser commented on the assault, saying: “The prison officer was acting professionally and trying to reason with Crowley when he suddenly launched this completely unwarranted attack.
“The victim required surgery and an extended course of treatment in hospital, before having to return due to complications. The attack has had a long-lasting impact on him.
“Without the swift actions of his colleagues at HMP Whitemoor, this assault could have been fatal. Their care in the aftermath of the incident was vital to the victim’s recovery, and without them, things could have been even worse.
“Prison officers do a difficult job in incredibly challenging circumstances. To be attacked like this is completely unacceptable. I’m pleased Crowley has now faced justice for his actions.”