Man accused of attacking guards minutes before his prison release

Friday, 11 June 2021 13:37

37-year-old returned to the cells after shouting in court

A man who was just minutes away from being released from prison is back behind bars – after allegedly attacking two guards.

Thirty-seven-year-old Alistair Cowin of no fixed address appeared before magistrates at Douglas courthouse.

He’s pleaded not guilty to two charges of assaulting prison staff at the Island’s jail on 9 June.

Prosecution advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the hearing Mr Cowin was going through the release process at 8am in the prison’s reception area.

As he was collecting his personal possessions, Mr Cowin’s said to have become agitated when he couldn’t find clean clothes.

As guards tried to help him, Mr Cowin is said to have grabbed one around his neck before punching a second prison officer in the jaw.

Chairman of the bench David Christian had Mr Cowin removed from the dock and returned to the cells after Mr Cowin refused to stop shouting in court.

He was remanded in custody and is next due to appear in court on 17 June.

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