AN INMATE at a Suffolk prison nearly died after he was attacked in his cell by another prisoner, it has been alleged.

Barry White, who was serving a sentence at Highpoint Prison, Stradishall, near Haverhill, suffered a gaping 15cm wound to the side of his face and neck and lost so much blood that his blood pressure was unreadable, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Charles Myatt, prosecuting, said that following the incident a hospital consultant said that without resuscitation in the accident and emergency department Mr White would probably have died.

Monir Khalfi, 23, has denied attempting to murder White on December 14 last year.

Mr Myatt told the court that at the time of the alleged attempted murder both Khalfi and White were serving prisoners at Highpoint prison.

He said the alleged attack happened during a period of evening association when prisoners were allowed out of their cells to socialise with each other and take part in activities such as playing pool.

White had been sweeping out his cell on the first floor and a piece of rubbish had gone over the balcony and allegedly landed on Khalfi, who was standing below.

There was an alleged verbal exchange between them and later Khalfi, who had a neighbouring cell, had allegedly apologised to White for the earlier incident.

They shook hands and as White turned away he felt something on his face and realised he had been cut, said Mr Myatt.

White had run out of his cell after his attacker but started to feel weak and collapsed.

Giving evidence, White told the court he was certain the person who attacked him was Khalfi.

“He lived next to me for six or seven weeks. It was him who cut me. It’s simple as that,” said White.

The trial continues.