Man jailed over young offenders institution assault

A man has been jailed over a serious assault which took place at Her Majesty’s Young Offender Institution (HMYOI) Werrington last year.

Yonis Abdillaha, 18, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, assault by beating of an emergency worker and unauthorised possession in prison of a knife or offensive weapon, at an earlier court hearing.On Friday (17 February) he was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court to six years in prison. He will also spend three years on licence. The court heard how on the 10 February 2022, Abdillaha had been directed to leave his secure room at HMYOI Werrington, in order to attend an education session. While walking along the landing area, Abdillaha failed to follow instructions and became abusive and threatening towards youth custody staff. He brandished an improvised weapon, made from a screw and marker pen, and repeatedly stabbed a staff member, causing wounds to his neck, arms and groin.Other members of staff immediately attended the scene and Abdillaha was detained.As he was being taken back to his room, he assaulted a second person by headbutting them.Speaking following sentencing, DC Stuart Pearson from our Prison Investigation team, said: “This was a violent and sustained attack which has had a profound impact on the victim. “Youth custody staff work hard in incredibly challenging circumstances and anyone who is violent towards them – or anyone else in young offender institutions or prisons – can expect to face severe consequences. “I’m pleased that the judge has handed Abdillaha a lengthy custodial sentence.”