Student awaiting sex trial torched cell, court told

8:06am Friday 12th September 2008

A student who torched his cell in a bid to commit suicide was awaiting trial on a sex assault charge, a court has heard.

Ali Hassan, 19, of Rose Hill, was jailed for three years at Croydon Crown Court yesterday after being found guilty of arson and sexual assault.

The court heard that Hassan, a Carshalton College student at the time, was being held in custody pending his trial when he began the fire at Highdown Prison on October 27.

Prosecuting, Tayo Adebayo said Hassan rammed a blazing mattress against the door and the fire had a strong hold before officers could force their way in.

He said: “They tried to open the door but he had lodged a mattress against it.

“They then put a hose through and, eventually, they were able to get in with breathing apparatus.

“He was pulled out unconscious, suffering from smoke inhalation.

Mr Adebayo added: “He had lit a match against the mattress, and he said he had been treated badly while in prison, which was why he had done it.”

Defending, Alexander Williams said Hassan was trying to commit suicide when he set fire to his cell.

Hassan had been desperate and had been suffering from depression, he said.

In sentencing on the arson, Judge David Ellis said Hassan had been reckless about the danger he had caused to other prisoners and staff.

In sentencing on the sexual assualt, he said: “This was a prolonged attack on a woman.

“It was a terrifying experience for her and she had to fight you off and use all the strength she could muster.

“You still do not accept your guilt.”

Hassan was given two years’ for the arson, which he admitted, and one year consecutive for the sexual attack, which he had denied.