Jewish prisoner sentenced for biting off Muslim man’s ear in jail

He was being intimidated, he stuck up for himself and to quote his defence counsel he ‘took a step too far’. A not unfamiliar situation experienced by other non Muslim prisoners; something that does not do the Ministry of Justice any credit.

From the Jewish Chronicle. and the Milton Keynes Citizen

Paul Jones, 43, grabbed fellow HMP Woodhill inmate Azhar Hussain and bit off the outer rim of his ear before spitting it onto the floor and choke-slamming his victim into a table, the court heard.

Jones was one of the only openly Jewish men in his prison block, the court heard and a majority of inmates who were of a different religion had asked him to move cells, a request which Jones refused.

Fearing an imminent attack, Jones snuck up on one of the inmates he believed was intimidating him – Hussain, who was Muslim – after an exercise session, the court heard.

At Aylesbury Crown Court on Wednesday, prosecutor Charles Digby said: “He bit him on the ear, so hard that he bit off the pinna, the outer rim of the ear. He also must have been a very strong man, because he grabbed hold of him by the neck and slammed him onto a table.”

Prison staff rushed in to break up the fight which ensued and took Hussain to hospital, Judge Francis Sheridan was told. Mr Digby added: “A bit of his ear was found on the floor. I cannot say from the medical reports I have seen that they did more than stitch it up.”

Jones apologised to the judge for wearing only a grey prison tracksuit, explaining that he had been unable to obtain a white shirt before the hearing.

Defending Jones, Christopher Johnston said: “Woodhill was, at the time, subject to violence within it. It is right to describe in that way and the officers had been short on staff.  There was a regime whereby a certain cohort of prisoners were effectively in charge of certain wings. He [Jones] entered as a Jewish man. (this wasn’t his first time in prison; he is obviously experienced with the dangers) Predominately people in his block were of a different faith. (and they were not Methodists – spell it out! They were Muslims)  He was asked to move cells to make room for people of their own faith. He says he was subject to intimidation prior to the incident, he felt very isolated. He feared attack from the men and he took a step too far.”

Judge Sheridan sentenced Jones to 18 months imprisonment for causing grievous bodily harm, which the defendant had admitted. Jones saluted to the judge as he left the dock and said: “Thanks very much sir, sorry to bother you.” 

Judge Sheridan watched the man be led away by the dock officer, then remarked to counsel: “He is always very courteous.” Mr Johnston, smiling, said: “You remember him your honour, as he remembers you.”

Now, has he gained himself some protection (don’t mess with Jones – you will come off worst) or a death sentence (get him boys – there are more of us than him) ?