A prisoner serving a life sentence put an officer into a headlock and bit his head multiple times, a court has heard.
Martin Hanrahan, 54, of HMP Wakefield, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and 2 counts of assault by beating when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court earlier this week (Friday).
Prosecuting, Serena Edwards, said the incident in question occurred on the 22nd June 2026 when Hanrahan was in custody at HMP Isle of Wight.
An altercation saw Hanrahan attack a prison officer, swinging for him and placing him in a headlock. Whilst the officer was in the headlock, Hanrahan bit him on the head twice.
Court heard how the officer felt Hanrahan “grip his head with his teeth” and left his skin “flapping”. Court heard how Hanrahan then went on to spit a mouthful of saliva and blood at a pair of officers attempting to restrain him.
The injured officer received treatment at St Mary’s Hospital and was given antibiotics and a tetanus injection. The officer was left with a scar above his eye.
Ms Edwards said Hanrahan was serving a life sentence and has previously attacked prison staff in both 2021 and 2023.
In defence, Jim Osborne, offered no mitigation.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to the Isle of Wight Crown Court. Hanrahan will appear before a judge at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on 13th November.
Before the video link was terminated, Hanrahan told magistrates “see you later alligator.”
