A MAN has been handed a custodial sentence for assaulting a Dorset prison officer more than a year ago.

Alexander Charles Dibden, aged 38 and of HMP Winchester, appeared by live video link for a hearing at Poole Magistrates’ Court.

Dibden was accused of assaulting prison officer Nathan Bennett, an emergency worker acting in the exercise of his functions as such a worker, by beating him at HMP Guy’s Marsh on November 2, 2020.

He pleaded guilty to the single charge and was sentenced by District Judge Stephen Nicholls on February 22.

Judge Nicholls committed the defendant to prison for 12 weeks, noting the seriousness of the matter because of his previous record of offending.

Dibden was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to Mr Bennett.

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