A DEFIANT inmate considered a danger to the public tricked two prison officers into becoming targets for so-called “potting” attacks at a top security jail.

Sean Baker lured the officers to his cell on a segregation unit at Frankland Prison, Durham, before flinging collected faeces and urine at them from his door hatch.

Both officers were hit in the face and mouth by the foul concoction as Baker mocked them from his cell in the separate incidents, in August and December, 2017.

Durham Crown Court was told the attacks have had a significant effect on each officer, one male and the other female, who have stoically continued to work at the prison, despite the mental trauma caused, initially fearing it could lead them to contract hepatitis or other diseases.

The court heard the 33-year-old inmate, originally sentenced as a young offender in January 2006 for robbery in his native Bristol, has remained behind bars long after his initial scheduled release date, having subsequently escaped from a custody van transferring him from one prison to another at razor blade point and carrying out further robberies while on the run.

He is now serving an indeterminate sentence for public protection, only to be released at the behest of the Parole Board, if members consider it safe to do so.

Jonathan Walker, prosecuting, said Baker was only transferred to the segregation unit the day before the first incident so he could be watched as a prisoner of, “considerable concern.”

He lured the female prison officer to his cell having claimed he was in “crisis” and she said she felt she paid for her “caring nature” by responding, immediately prior to the first attack.

In the other incident he managed to prise off the cover to his hatch, which the second victim went to retrieve from the landing floor, prior to being doused by Baker through a gap in the cell door.

Baker denied two counts of administering a noxious substance and was tried in his absence, having refused to leave his cell via accepted protocol, at Long Lartin Prison, in Worcestershire, where he is now housed.

The jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts and he was also not present for yesterday’s sentencing hearing, again having refused to leave his cell.

Jonathan Harley, for Baker, said there was little he could say about the offences as his client remains in denial.

He also referred to a letter submitted by Baker.

“Following almost to the letter what was said to his various probation officers, he feels he has been persecuted by prison staff.

“Not withstanding he does have mental health issues, there’s nothing I can say which can excuse the behaviour as has been outlined,” added Mr Harley.

Judge Christopher Prince imposed consecutive sentences of four years for each offence, which he described as, “carefully planned assaults against those in authority in prison”, meaning it will be at least another eight years before Baker can be considered for release.