A PRISONER who attacked a Group 4 custody officer leaving him with a permanent pain has been jailed for15 months.

Andrew Harvey was being led to a cell at Bolton Magistrates Court occupied by others when he decided he wanted a single cell.

When he refused to join the others he was involved in a scuffle with Group 4 officers, and one, Shaun Mann, injured his knee.

The resulting injury aggravated a previous non-painful condition Mr Mann had and now doctors say he will always suffer some degree of pain in his knee.

Harvey, aged 29, of Bradford Street, Bolton, appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence. He admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm.

At the magistrates court Harvey refused to enter the common cell and demanded a single room and started to scuffle with the escorting officers.

During the fight Mr Mann twisted his knee.

Harvey's previous criminal record included thefts, criminal damage, assault, battery, possession of drugs, burglary and failing to surrender.

The court was told that Harvey realised that the officer had suffered an unfortunate injury through his reckless act and he wanted to apologise to him.

Judge Brian Carter QC said Harvey had an appalling criminal record for his age and that the Group 4 officer now had a serious condition brought on by Harvey's actions.