HMP Kilmarnock: Liam Clark assaulted inmate in attack

Liam Clark pleaded guilty to one charge of assault when he appeared at the town's sheriff court on Tuesday, October 22.

The incident took place on February 26, 2022, when the 25-year-old was an inmate at the prison - having been jailed following a previous conviction.

The attack took place within the first floor landing of F-wing in Bowhouse, procurator fiscal depute Alasdair Millar told the hearing.

The victim was said to have been standing outside his cell when he was confronted by Clark and four other males.

After a brief conversation, the group asked the man to make his way back into his cell before he was "attacked without warning" by each of the men.

The prosecutor said: "He had no time to react and ended up falling before repeatedly being punched and his head stamped on."

Three witnesses - two prison officers and a prison liaison police officer - quickly intervened and stopped the altercation before locking down the wing.

The male who was attacked sustained minor injuries, a black eye and grazing to various areas, and required no further medical treatment.

Clark was identified as one of those involved and after statements were taken he was officially reported.

He first appeared in court in relation to the matter on March 12 this year, and has been remanded in custody since that time.

Defending, Clark's solicitor told the court that the 25-year-old had no other matters outstanding.

He added that despite years having past since the incident, Clark had resolved this at the earlier opportunity - with the matter only taking time to come to court due to the number of parties involved.

Addressing Sheriff Murdoch Mactaggart, the lawyer said: "He is well aware of the consequences of his actions. His record will be of some concern. Your lordship will take that into account."

However, he asked that consideration be given to the fact there had been no repeat behaviour since.

He explained that having had issues with drugs previously, Clark has addressed these problems while in prison by taking advantage of various services and agencies available to him.

The solicitor also noted that he was the main support of his family in Troon, and would be welcomed there upon his release.

He commented that Clark would also look to gain employment once released, having worked most of his adult life while at liberty.

Sheriff Mactaggart said: “There is no appropriate alternative disposal other than custody available to me.

“This was quite a cowardly attack. Stamping on someone’s head in this manner could have had serious consequences.”

Clark was then sentenced to spend a total of 21 months in prison, which was backdated to his initial remand on March 12 this year.