(Image: The Northern Echo)
Three inmates carried out a co-ordinated attack on another prisoner at HMP Deerbolt in County Durham, a court heard.
The two prisoners who led the attack were armed with improvised bladed weapons, which they later discarded.
Shawn Spence, 20, and Kai Howitt, 21, were both serving life sentences for murder at the prison near Barnard Castle.
They appeared for sentence at Durham Crown Court by video link alongside James Morton, 21, who became involved in the later stages of the attack on April 27 last year.
Three inmates carried out a pre-planned attack on another prisoner at HMP Deerbolt, near Barnard Castle, in April last year
Spence admitted wounding with intent, Howitt admitted unlawful wounding and Morton pleaded guilty to affray.
The 20-year-old victim suffered 10 small puncture wounds to his head, neck and back, but his injuries were not life-threatening and the court heard he since appears to have made a full recovery.
Prosecutor Glenn Gatland said the victim chose not to help with the investigation.
Mr Gatland said the victim was talking to other inmates when Spence ran at him, followed by Howitt, attacking him with the improvised weapons, after which Morton punched the victim.
All three then met in a hallway, where Spence and Howitt dumped their weapons in a bin that Howitt later removed to distance them from the attack.
When interviewed, the trio gave no comment replies, while the victim chose not to give a statement.
The court heard Spence is serving a youth life sentence with a 16-year minimum term, imposed in 2022, and was said to have committed further violent and weapons offences while in prison.
Howitt was convicted of murder in 2024 and must serve a minimum of 13 years and 144 days.
Morton is serving a 93-month sentence for unlawful wounding, imposed in 2023.
All were for offences committed outside the North East and North Yorkshire.
Judge Jo Kidd said she would not impose a further life or extended sentence on either of the main attackers as they still have lengthy terms to serve.
But she said: "We may never know the true reason for the assault", due to the victim's reluctance to assist in the prosecution.
She said Spence appeared to believe he was “above the law” while at Deerbolt and “clearly led the charge”, followed by Howitt, who was “easily led”.
Spence received four years to run consecutively with his existing life term, while Howitt was given an extra 43 months and Morton four months.
All three appeared separately at the hearing by video link from Holme House Prison, Stockton, where they are now held.