A black prisoner was so badly scarred that his ski

A black prisoner was so badly scarred that his skin turned white after another inmate threw a cup of boiling water in his face, a jury heard today.

(Weds)

Michael Moore, 30, spent nearly three weeks in hospital after he was attacked by Paul Reid, 26, following an exchange of petty insults.

Mr Moore had been returning from the toilet to the communal area of D Wing in Pentonville Prison in north London when he was deliberately pushed by Reid, it is claimed.

Nigel Daniel, prosecuting, told Snaresbrook Crown Court: ‘Michael Moore managed to get past and as he did Reid said: ”Get out of my way fraggle”.

‘Moore replied by calling Reid a dickhead.

‘Mr Reid replied ”What did you say?”

Mr Daniel added: ‘Moore responded by saying: ”I am not going to repeat myself for you.

You heard what I said.

”

The prosecutor continued: ‘Moore was sitting down in the communal area watched as the defendant walked up to a water urn used for making tea and coffee and poured himself some hot water into a cup.

‘

As Reid then walked past Moore before launching the attack, jurors heard.

Mr Daniel said: ‘As he did so he threw the boiling water on his face and chest.

‘Moore fell to the ground and was immediately picked up and taken to the prison staff which took him to the prison hospital.

‘

He added: ‘The boiling water took the skin of his face, chest and arm.

‘Moore is a black male and so the extent of the burns to his skin, his skin turned white.

‘

The jury heard how the ‘trauma’ has resulted in the victim needing sessions with a prison psychologist.

Mr Moore is still receiving ongoing treatment for his injuries, the court was told.

His alleged attacker was later interviewed by two police officers, but refused to comment.

Reid, originally from Forest Gate, east London, denies wounding with intent on June 17 last year.

The trial continues.

ends