Convicted murderer has sentence extended after attacking prison officer at HMP Whitemoor
The prison officer was attacked with a plastic knife
A convicted murderer has had his life sentence extended after attacking a prison officer with a plastic knife at HMP Whitemoor.
Moustapha Dia, 28, carried out the attack on 19th October 2024, when he approached the officer who was locking doors on the prison wing near March.
Dia whispered something before grabbing the officer into a headlock and stabbing him in the head, face, and neck.
The attack ended when other officers intervened and disarmed Dia.
The prison officer was treated for concussion and various cuts at Peterborough City Hospital.
Dia denied the charges, but a trial at Huntingdon Law Courts in January found him guilty of possessing an offensive weapon in prison and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
On 12th March, Huntingdon Law Courts sentenced Dia to an additional four years on his life term.
DC Emma Purser, who led the investigation, said: “This was a ferocious and cowardly attack by Dia, who targeted a prison officer much smaller in stature than him.”
She added that while the officer's injuries were superficial, the impact of the attack would likely be long-lasting.
Dia’s actions were described as unacceptable by the constable, who was satisfied that justice had been served despite Dia's denials.