Convicted rapist who trapped female guard in cell given extra 32 months on sentence

A prisoner serving 17 years for rape has had his sentence extended after he trapped a female guard in his cell and attacked her.

Liam McCarthy, 28, grabbed the woman’s throat and choked her when she went into his cell for a routine inspection.

He barricaded the door shut with a wardrobe but other prison guards were able to force their way into the cell at HMP Littlehey in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, and found shirtless McCarthy on top of his victim.

McCarthy (pictured) admitted at Peterborough Crown Court on Tuesday to false imprisonment and causing actual bodily harm, Cambridgeshire Police said.

He had 32 months added to his sentence.

The prison officer was not seriously injured but she was extremely shaken and upset, the court heard.

Detective Constable Tom Nuttall said: “This vicious attack could have continued had the victim’s colleagues not intervened.

“Today’s result means that this violent individual will not be free to harm the public for a long time.”

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