THE jury is out in the trial of David Bieber, the inmate at a high-security jail who is accused of attempting to murder a prison officer.
Bieber denies attempted murder and an alternative charge of wounding during the incident alleged to have taken place on October 10, 2017.
The 56-year-old also denies unauthorised possession of an offensive weapon at HMP Long Lartin Prison on the same date.
David Bieber was returning from the library when he used a “home-made” weapon to attack Alison Smith, who was left bleeding from wounds to her face and right arm, a jury at Worcester Crown Court heard during the trial.
Prosecutor Simon Phillips showed the weapon to the jury saying: “It consists of two long pieces of metal pointed at one end and taped together.
“It became bent, probably during the course of the struggle.”
READ MORE: Man admits again having indecent images of children on his phone
But Bieber denies the offences saying the incident was making a “cry for help” to bring a complaint about medication to the attention of the authorities at the jail.
Asked why he had launched the attack, Bieber told the jury: “In order to make something look serious enough so I could get transferred out of the prison."
The jury that has heard the case at Worcester Crown Court retired on Tuesday afternoon (June 21).
After not reaching verdicts they were released just before 4.30pm and are set to resume deliberations at 11am on Wednesday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article