A sentenced prisoner now faces more time behind bars after he used a toothbrush with razor-like metal pieces attached during what should have been "a fist fight or wrestle".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Isaac John Gordon, in his mid 20s, fronted the ACT Supreme Court on Friday after pleading guilty to recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm.
The court heard that in December 2019, he and another inmate spoke briefly before agreeing to have a discussion in a cell.
Both knew it could descend into a physical altercation, Justice Michael Elkaim said in reading the facts.
After entering the cell and closing the door, the victim tried to punch Gordon, who responded "with flourishes of the weapon".
The attack left the victim with cuts to his face and right hand before he was taken to Canberra Hospital.
The victim now has a prominent scar to his face while there is still numbness in his hand, the court heard.
MORE COURT AND CRIME NEWS
Gordon had been serving a jail term until April 2025 for aggravated robbery, intentionally wounding and possessing a prohibited substance.
"Taking into account the use of the weapon, possessed in a premeditated manner to what should have best been a fist fight or wrestle and the extent of the injury, I assess the objective seriousness as a little below medium for this type offence," Justice Elkaim said.
The judge, who said Gordon already had a substantial recording for violence, sentenced him to 2.5 years' jail starting from when he is eligible for parole for the previous sentence in April 2022.
The latest jail term will be suspended after 12 months upon the offender entering a good behaviour order for three years.
Gordon was also sentenced on Friday to three months' jail for possessing a prohibited weapon.
The court heard a psychiatrist assessed the offender as having numerous conditions, including impulse control disorder and longstanding ADHD.
Gordon also told the psychiatrist he regretted his actions and that he was remorseful.
The offender pleaded guilty on the first day he was set for trial on September 8.
Prior to his change of plea, Crown prosecutor Marcus Dyason said evidence would show that the two men agreed to have a fight without blades.
The prosecutor said when Corrective Services officers arrived, they overheard Gordon saying words to the effect of "I got him" or "I got him good".
CCTV footage of the moments leading up to the incident was played to the court at the time.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram