A PRISON guard wasn't able to kiss his partner for six months after an inmate spat in his mouth, a court heard.

Benjamin Evans, currently serving a sentence at HMP Garth, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court via video link on Monday morning.

The 29-year-old, formerly of Chwilog, Pwllheli, admitted that on April 11 this year, he assaulted Prison Officer Arran Forster at HMP Berwyn.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that at around 9.30am on the day in question, Officer Forster was escorting a prisoner to another location at the establishment.

As they made their way through a vacated yard, Evans began shouting verbal abuse at the prisoner being escorted and walked alongside him - with a wire fence separating them.

The Officer turned to tell Evans to stop shouting, when the defendant spat.

His spittle made contact with the side of the victim's face, then went in his mouth when he spat again.

Officer Forster had to attend A&E and receive a hepatitis B jab.

In his statement, the victim explained: "I was told by the Doctor that I should avoid any intimate contact with anyone else for two months."

But the advice was increased to six months for his partner, owing to her being pregnant, the court heard.

"I have been unable to even kiss my partner since the incident," he added.

Benjamin Evans (NWP)Benjamin Evans (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)

"I don't think it's acceptable for a prisoner to spit at an officer - it's a disgusting act."

Alun Williams, defending, told the court: "He's currently in HMP Garth, probably as a result of this incident.

"To be fair to Mr Evans, he fully admitted the offence in interview and has been very honest.

"He attempted to express remorse at the scene. It appeared to be an issue between Mr Evans and the prisoner being escorted.

"Mr Evans accepts he spat in the direction of the prisoner, who spat back at him - and then Mr Evans spat again.

"He accepts it would have made contact with the officer, but that was not his intention."

Mr Williams added the defendant was not receiving medication for his mental health difficulties at the time.

Asked if he accepted the prosecution facts and whether he wanted to add anything, Evans said: "I agree totally with the situation.

"I genuinely put my hands up. I spat at someone they were bringing past me - a sex offender.

"I'm a normal prisoner, not a sex offender. You can imagine the conflict that happened.

"At that moment I decided to spit at him but I didn't intend to spit at the officer."

The Magistrates characterised the assault "vile," and handed down a 10 week custodial term to run concurrent to Davies' ongoing prison time.

Davies was ordered to pay £200 compensation to the victim on his release.