Exclusive: Inmate hurt in violent clash

A convicted killer was attacked with an industrial mop wringer at Westgate by a fellow inmate, the Bermuda Sun can reveal.

The victim, who is serving a life sentence for murder, was struck on the head by the heavy object and required stitches.

The Sun understands that a mop wringer was hurled down on the victim by an inmate on a higher floor. We are told the incident was gang related.

Corrections Commissioner Lieutenant Eddie Lamb confirmed that an assault had taken place at the prison last week.

And a police spokesperson said that officers from the Western Criminal Investigation Unit as well as the Forensic Support Unit had attended the prison after the attack was reported.

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Lamb, Commission of Corrections, said: “I can confirm that an incident involving as assault in an inmate by another inmate took place at Westgate last week.

“The only detail of this matter that I am at liberty to divulge is that it is now under investigation, as is our practice, with the assistance of the police.

Swiftly

“Incidents of this nature occur from time to time. When they do, they are handled swiftly with the appropriate protocols employed to control the situation.”

The Sun understands the attack took place last Thursday in one of the wings and could have been the result of rival gang allegiances spilling over in the prison.

The victim was treated inside Westgate and the wound to the top of his head was sutured.

Incident

While the alleged attacker was put in segregation while inquiries into the incident were undertaken by police.

It is understood that both men were later returned to the same wing.

Yesterday Colonel Lamb added: “This incident is still under investigation and it would be highly imprudent of me to comment any further or to divulge any intrinsic details. Security is paramount in our profession. 

“This particular incident has been handled with the appropriate level of security protocols by our staff and our robust regimes continue to ensure high levels of security.

A police spokesperson said: “The matter was reported to the police and officers from Western CIU and the forensic support unit attended and an active investigation is underway.”