A VIOLENT and abusive attack on custody officers and police in the cells at Bradford Magistrates’ Court led to a jail sentence for the prisoner responsible.

The defendant, whose name appears on the official court list as Andrew Lyall but who identifies as female and prefers to be known as Charmaine, pleaded guilty to assaulting prison custody officers and police officers during an incident on September 6 last year.

Prosecutor John Batchelor told Bradford Crown Court that Lyall, 29, of Poplar View, Bradford, had been aggressive and abusive, including using racial insults, from the moment of arrival in the cells.

He said Lyall was “a handful from the very start” and made threats of violence to staff that were present.

Lyall was kicking, punching out, and spitting at staff.  Lyall also removed a shoelace and threatened to wrap it around a custody officer’s neck.

The defendant managed to choke one officer and bit another on the arm.

Lyall continued to be non-compliant and tried to slam the door into one of the staff whilst being moved to an alternative cell.

Lyall also kicked the cell door, tried to force a way out, and used a knee to assault a police officer. 

Lyall was described as being in “a highly agitated state”, which affected those present. In statements given after the incident officers described it as “shocking” and that none of them went to work expecting it to happen.

An officer who was racially abused by Lyall said it was “highly offensive, upsetting, and degrading". 

Mitigating, Rachel Webster said Lyall was “deeply remorseful and ashamed”.

The defendant's actions were said to stem from mental health issues due to abuse, as well as drug and alcohol problems.

Recorder Patrick Palmer sentenced Lyall to 12 months in prison, with half to be served in custody and the rest on licence.