By Isle of Wight ObserverAn inmate at HMP Albany has denied biting a prison guard and drawing blood when entered his plea at Isle of Wight Magistrates Court.
Abdul Bari, 28, an Afghan national, appeared via video link on Tuesday (November 6) to enter his not guilty to plea to one count of actual bodily harm.
The prosecution alleged that Bari threatened prison officer Jason Lane on May 4 claiming he would find him on the outside and hurt him.
The two then became involved in a struggle and allegedly Mr Bari bit Mr Lane on the hand, drawing blood.
There were initial concerns that Mr Bari could be HIV positive and the prison officer was treated with antibiotics.
Mr Bari’s defence counsel, Barry Arnett, told the court his client had not attacked Mr Lane but had himself been restrained and attacked.
No bail application was made for the defendant as he is serving a custodial sentence until 2020.
The case will now be sent to the Isle of Wight Crown Court for trial on December 17.
