AN inmate at a young offenders’ institution (YOI) who attacked a prison officer is to be assessed for his perceived dangerousness before he is sentenced.

Nathan Miller carried out the assault as he was being escorted back to his cell, having made a phone call, at Deerbolt YOI, near Barnard Castle, on March 20 this year.

He is said to have punched the officer several times and struck him with a metal broom handle, after an exchange of words on reaching the doorway to his cell.

Another officer stepped in to help restrain and detain the 18-year-old inmate, who was subsequently charged with assault causing actual bodily.

Miller appeared at Durham Crown Court today (Wednesday August 26), having been committed for sentence by magistrates, who were given an indication that he would plead ‘guilty’ to the offence.

Chris Baker, for Miller, told the court that his client would require preparation of a background report prior to sentence.

He said Miller, who, since the incident, has been transferred to Durham Prison, is serving a sentence imposed for two robberies and possessing an imitation firearm.

As a result of his record, Judge Simon Hickey said the report would have to assess the danger Miller is considered to pose of causing serious harm to the general public, as this would have a bearing on the sentence passed.

Judge Simon Hickey agreed and told Miller: “It’s going to be inevitably be a sentence of custody.

“But, it’s a case of whether or not you are judged to be a dangerous offender.

“You have a bad record for violence and we need this assessment to be made prior to sentence.”

Miller, from Radcliffe, in Manchester, was remanded to remain in custody prior to his sentencing hearing, at the court, on Friday September 18.