Russell Ireland sentenced in Peterborough court after hitting fellow inmate with magnet at HMP Whitemoor in March

A prisoner who hit a fellow inmate over the head with a speaker magnet concealed in a sock has been sentenced.

The victim suffered serious head injuries after Russell Ireland, 39, attacked him following a confrontation in the canteen at March’s HMP Whitemoor in January 2022.

Two months later, Ireland started a fire in his cell before lunging at staff with a long sharp object as they tried to extinguish the blaze and clear the smoke.

Ireland pleaded guilty to unauthorised possession of a knife in prison, arson, common assault of an emergency worker and grievous bodily harm without intent.

He was sentenced to five years and three months, on top of his original sentence, at Peterborough Crown Court on Wednesday.

Detective Constable Emma Purser, who investigated, said: “Ireland’s violence and destruction seems to know no bounds.

“His behaviour was frightening for those involved and he caused serious injuries. He’s proved he should remain behind bars for a long time.”