A MAN who attacked and seriously injured a fellow inmate at a Suffolk prison has been jailed for 12 years.

Monir Khalfi, 24, was four months away from being released from a four-year sentence for possession of Ecstasy with intent to supply and robbery when he carried out the attack at Highpoint Prison.

His lawyer, Paul Sims, said at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday: “He had no intention of extending his criminal career and extending the amount of time he had to spend in custody. Fear drove him to do it.”

In September Khalfi was cleared by a jury at the court of attempted murder but was found guilty of an offence of wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. He had denied both offences.

The trial followed an incident on December 14 last year in which Barry White, who occupied a cell next to Khalfi, sustained a 15cm gash to his face and neck resulting in massive blood loss. White was sweeping out his cell and a piece of tissue paper fell from a balcony onto Khalfi, the prosecution alleged.

Khalfi was involved in a “verbal exchange” with White before apparently apologising to him, the court heard. The two men shook hands but as he turned away Mr White realised he had been cut, said Charles Myatt, prosecuting. He was then rushed to hospital.

Khalfi had denied involvement in either an altercation with White or the attack on him.

Sentencing him, Judge John Devaux said the 227 days which Khalfi had already spent on remand would be deducted from the time he spends in custody.