PRISON SEX OFFENDER BRUTALLY ATTACKED IN GLASGOW JAIL
A convicted sex offender from Helensburgh named Ben Slee, aged 32, was assaulted in prison by another sex offender, Neil Mackintosh, aged 39, who attacked him on April 30, 2017, while Slee was on remand at Barlinnie prison awaiting sentencing.Mackintosh wielded a makeshift weapon—a toothbrush with melted razor blades—and attempted to cut Slee from behind.
Prison officer Graham Teesdale intervened, trying to restrain Mackintosh and remove the weapon, which had razor blades melted into it.
During the attack, both Slee and the prison officer sustained injuries: Slee received multiple cuts, including one exposing tendons in his thumb, a deep cut to his ear, a 10cm cut on his neck, and other wounds; the officer had a large cut to his forearm.
Mackintosh pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting both men causing severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
The sheriff sentenced him to 42 months in prison, emphasizing that such actions are things “he should never ever be proud over” and stating “There was no need to do that”.
Prior to this incident, Mackintosh had an extensive criminal history, including a 2010 sentence of ten years and five months for raping and abusing two women, with attacks spanning from 1999 to 2009, involving multiple addresses in Inverness and Glasgow.
He was previously found guilty of 29 offences, including rape, attempted rape, and sexual and physical assault.
The initial attack on Slee occurred while he was on remand, and Mackintosh expressed concern about reprisals from other inmates.
The court highlighted Mackintosh's history of violence and predatory sexual behavior, including his prior convictions for rape and abuse.
The incident reflects ongoing issues regarding the safety of sex offenders in custody and their criminal backgrounds.
