A CONVICTED arsonist threw a cup of his own blood at a prison guard, a court heard.

Nicholas Lowe, 57, was serving a five year sentence for torching police cars when he carried out the attack at Erlestoke prison last June.

Prosecutor Kate Prince told Swindon Magistrates’ Court that the prison officer had knocked at the door of Lowe’s cell on June 24 to tell him he would be escorted down to get his lunch.

He returned to the cell and, without warning, Lowe threw a bowl of liquid at him.

The officer immediately realised that it was blood. Ms Prince told the justices: “He felt disgusted and appalled and physically sick by his behaviour. He states he was trying to help Mr Lowe.”

The blood was Lowe’s own.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Lowe was serving time for arson. He set fire to this police car Picture: SALISBURY JOURNAL

Mitigating, Leanne Ballato said her client was remorseful, had apologised to the officer in a letter after the incident and repeated his apologies to the court.

She said Lowe had been taken to the intensive care ward in the hospital and, on his return to prison, was placed in the Marlborough wing which he felt was inappropriate for those having to shield.

Ms Ballato said: “He states he didn’t actually throw [the blood] directly at the officer. He didn’t realise the officer was standing behind the door. It’s very unfortunate and he does apologise for his actions that day.”

He claimed he had been subjected to “incredibly filthy and flooded cells” while in prison.

Appearing before court via video link from HMP Bullingdon, Lowe, of Endless Street, Salisbury, pleaded guilty to common assault.  

He was sentenced to a week’s imprisonment. The jail time will be served alongside his five year sentence.