A jailed murderer who slashed two inmates' faces with a makeshift knife has had his sentence extended.

Between May 2018 and January 2019 at HMP Swaleside, on the Isle of Sheppey, Paul James slashed two prisoners across the face with improvised weapons.

Already serving a life sentence for murdering a man in Newcastle in July 2007, the 34-year-old was handed two life sentences when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, September 3.

He was ordered to serve at least seven years and two months before being considered for parole. The sentences will run alongside his current sentence.

James admitted two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and two more for unauthorised possession of a knife in prison.

Just before midday on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, he assaulted a fellow inmate with the makeshift knife and cut him across the face, leaving a 15cm laceration.

He then attempted to hide the weapon in another prisoner's cell which was seen by a prison officer and the weapon was later recovered.

'These were vicious attacks which were unprovoked...'

On Monday, January 28, 2019, James assaulted a second prisoner using a similar blade.

The victim was beckoned over to a cell where other prisoners attempted to pull him inside before he broke free but was assaulted by James. The man’s face was cut where he received two 11cm lacerations from his ear to right side of his face.

Both incidents left the victims requiring hospital treatment where they needed stitches for their injuries.

As well as the life sentences James was handed two 12-month sentences for the two charges of unauthorised possession in prison of a knife which will be served concurrently.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Karen Hearn said: "These were vicious attacks which were unprovoked, with both victims being attacked from behind without any chance to defend themselves.

"James has proven to be a dangerous individual who has no hesitation in inflicting serious injuries on others.

"We do not tolerate violence outside of prison and there is no place for it inside and he has quite rightly been held to account for his actions."

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