A prisoner who stabbed a Whitemoor Prison inmate in the neck last year has been given a third life sentence.

On June 21 last year (2015) police were called with reports that David Watts, a 43-year-old prisoner, had stabbed a man inside the March jail.

In interview, the 61-year-old victim told officers how just before the incident he went into his cell with some food but was called out of his cell by Watts, so he went to see what he wanted.

Watts approached him and, without warning, attacked him by what he thought was a punch to the side of his head, but soon realised he had been stabbed in the neck.

Watts was already serving a life sentence after being convicted of wounding with intent to resist or prevent lawful apprehension offenses against a person, as well as burglary, in 2001.

While serving his sentence in HMP Whitemoor, he was further convicted of the attempted murder of an inmate in 2010 and issued another life sentence.

In October 2015 Watts was charged with attempted murder, possessing a bladed article in a prison and causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.

He denied attempting to murder his inmate, but pleaded guilty to the other charges. The guilty pleas were accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with direction for the attempted murder charge to lie on file

On Monday (February 29) he appeared at Peterborough Crown Court and was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of six years, and a further 18 months to run concurrently.

Detective Constable Emily Nutton, investigating officer, said: “Watts used a makeshift weapon, comprising of a wooden spoon with a blade melted into it, to cause significant harm to this inmate.

“While the victim has physically recovered from his injuries, he is still suffering psychologically by what happened.

“He showed great bravery in putting his trust in us; he felt he wouldn’t be believed or supported because he is a serving prisoner. Regardless of who a victim may be and what their past is, we take all crime seriously and will seek to prosecute those responsible for such violent actions.

“Watts thought he was untouchable, saying ‘what do you think you can do to me, I’m already in prison’ when I informed him of the charges – I hope this sentence goes as a warning to others that no one is above the law.”