A violent attack in a UK prison has led to a further 17-year sentence for an inmate who threw boiling sugared water over a prison officer, leaving her with permanent injuries. The shocking incident occurred on 31 July 2023 at HMP Peterborough, when Tony McDonald, already serving time for grievous bodily harm, launched the unprovoked assault on a female guard.
McDonald, 39, was convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent after he waited with a bin full of hot water, which he threw over the officer as she responded to a personal alarm from a colleague. The attack caused severe burns and scarring, with the officer screaming in agony as the water hit her.
The victim, who was rushed for emergency treatment at a specialist burns hospital, required multiple skin graft surgeries. Tragically, the injuries are permanent, and Judge Mark Bishop warned that the officer may not be able to continue her career to retirement. Her ordeal left her facing a long road to recovery, with the real possibility of needing further surgeries down the line.
McDonald’s violent actions didn’t stop there. As the first officer was being rushed to safety, he attacked another guard, breaking his wrist in the process. It was a day of unimaginable trauma for all involved.
Judge Bishop noted that McDonald claimed to be following instructions from voices in his head, but psychiatrists dismissed this as untrue. “The scarring and injuries caused [the officer] significant issues in her daily life. She is likely to need future surgery,” said the judge.
While the sentence cannot undo the devastation caused by McDonald’s actions, it reflects the gravity of the attack. Det Con John Pentney, commenting on the case, said, “This was, and remains, a traumatising incident for the victim. While the sentence will not undo the permanent harm caused, it does reflect the seriousness of this unprovoked attack.”
McDonald’s 17-year sentence is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working in prison environments. The lasting impact of his actions will stay with the victims for years to come.
