Conor Bassnett, ex-dealer turned chef, avoids jail for spitting at a guard shortly before prison release.
He admitted assaulting a worker last year, a month before his release. The prosecutor spoke at court, saying it happened on September 3, 2024, when Bassnett refused to return to his cell.
The guard approached Bassnett, who threatened him, saying he would start swinging. More officers came to help and moved Bassnett forcibly, the court learned. Officers grabbed Bassnett’s arms and got him to his cell.
He then turned around and spat, hitting the guard’s face above his left eye and over his mouth. The guard’s statement was read out in court. He called being spat at disgusting and said he would rather be punched, as he worried about catching a virus.
Bassnett had 33 offenses over the years, including heroin possession with intent to sell, following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court. His lawyer said Bassnett felt sad, alone, and anxious during the offense. He received psychosis treatment in prison.
Bassnett was released last October and punished for spitting with time in solitary confinement. The lawyer wanted compensation for the guard but didn’t want more punishment. Solitary confinement is a severe punishment. Bassnett has obeyed the law since prison. Now he is working hard as a chef with a zero-hours contract.
The magistrates thought it was serious and decided against just compensation. The chairman said it was unpleasant, noting it happened in prison, and he skirted going back again. Bassnett got a community order of 12 months. He must do 160 hours of unpaid work, pay the guard £100, pay £85 court costs, plus a £114 victim surcharge.