Razor attack on female officer shows Maghaberry Prison '˜out of control'

That is according to TUV leader Jim Allister, who also said the balance between ensuring the humane treatment of prisoners and ensuring the safety of prison staff may be skewed.

Adrian Smith from the Northern Ireland Prison Officers’ Association said that if the gash was just a few inches lower “we could be looking at a fatality”.

He said that the attack took place in the mainstream wing of the prison, rather than in either the republican or loyalist wings of Maghaberry.

Mr Smith said the attack highlights the difficult job prison officers are tasked with.

“It was a five-inch wound and it was deep. She thought she was going to die.

“The cut goes from above her cheek right down below her ear to the length of her neck.

“This shows exactly how difficult a job prison officers are faced with. There would be a lot of worry for the families. I’m sure for the likes of a young woman like this officer, their mothers, fathers and sisters and brothers would be very worried that something like this might happen. Officers are assaulted on a weekly basis almost.”

Commenting on the incident, MLA Mr Allister said: “Control, in all aspects of Maghaberry, has been slipping away and this is a manifestation of the violence and aggression that’s developed in the prison. I think to see, in particular with a female officer, someone attacked in this way is not just disgusting, it’s quite alarming.

“I think it does behove the prison service to get a grip on the situation in Maghaberry.

“Perhaps we have somewhat lost sight of what the balance should be (between ensuring the humane treatment of prisoners and the safety of prison officers).

“It’s been fed by the fact that there are, effectively, free judicial review services for prisoners every time somebody dares to suggest that, in any way, there should be some what can be described as ‘impediment of liberty’, they are straight into the High Court for a judicial review paid for by the taxpayer. That puts the state on the back foot.”