Life Convict Gets Extra 12 Years After Brutal Prison Officer Stabbing
A convicted murderer has been slammed with an extra 12 years after viciously stabbing a prison officer with a homemade shank at Garth Prison.
Violent Attack Shakes Lancashire Jail
Christopher Stubbs, 30, already serving life for murder, launched a savage assault on a prison officer moments after morning unlock at Garth Prison, Ulnes Walton, near Leyland. Armed with a crude hook shank he’d crafted himself, Stubbs stabbed the officer several times, leaving three deep puncture wounds to his torso and abdomen. The victim, in his 50s, was also struck on the head during the brutal attack. Fellow officers struggled to restrain Stubbs, who fought back fiercely and even bit one of them. The terrifying attack took place on 14th July 2024.
Jury Slaps Stubbs With Heavy Sentence
At Preston Crown Court on 18th December, Stubbs was found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault on an emergency worker, and possession of a sharp weapon inside prison. He was sentenced to 11-and-a-half years for the stabbing, plus six months consecutive for biting an officer. Another 12 months for weapon possession runs concurrently. These 12 years will stack on top of his existing 24-year life sentence from a 2016 Teesside murder conviction. Stubbs refused to attend sentencing and was sentenced in his absence.
Police Praise Officers’ Heroic Efforts
“This was a shocking and abhorrent attack on a prison officer by a serving inmate using a vicious self-made weapon,” said Detective Constable Paul Brown from Skelmersdale CID. “The judge recognised the daily dangers prison officers face and their bravery handling violent prisoners. It took several officers to subdue Stubbs, who acted like a rabid dog trying to bite them. The heavy sentence, added to his life tariff, highlights the seriousness of this attack. Stubbs is a violent and dangerous individual.”
