Robert Anderson, 42, of Springfield, was sentenced to three to five years in state prison on Wednesday, April 15, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.
The assault happened on October 11, 2024, at the Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction during a routine inmate count when the men were outside their cells, prosecutors said. For a reason unknown to investigators, Anderson hid a heavy metal lock in a laundry bag and struck another inmate in the head, authorities said.
The impact caused a deep cut, and the victim was first treated by medical staff at the facility before being transported to a hospital for further care.
“This was a serious and dangerous assault that could have resulted in far more severe injuries,” said Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington. “We commend the correctional officers for their swift response in intervening, securing the scene, and ensuring the victim received immediate medical attention.”
Prosecutors and Anderson's attorney jointly recommended the sentence as part of a plea agreement.
Authorities did not say why Anderson was previously in prison.
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