A 37-year-old man has been handed a prison sentence after a series of violent and dangerous offences, including attacking a prison officer and assaulting police following a road traffic collision.
Curtis O’Brien, currently of HMP Forest Bank, was sentenced to 59 months in prison at Manchester Crown Court on Friday 17 April 2026. He had been convicted of multiple offences including robbery, assault on an emergency worker, criminal damage and a number of driving-related offences.
The court heard that on 27 August 2024, while already in custody at HMP Forest Bank, O’Brien assaulted a female prison officer after a mobile phone was discovered in his cell. He pursued the officer to her office and attacked her in an attempt to recover the device. He was subsequently charged with robbery and assault on an emergency worker.
In a separate incident on 12 March 2025, O’Brien was involved in a road traffic collision on Manchester Road in Walkden. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. However, after being arrested and taken to hospital, he assaulted police officers while in custody.
Following his release from hospital, O’Brien was charged with a number of additional offences, including:
- Driving whilst disqualified
- Using a motor vehicle without insurance
- Failing to provide a specimen of breath
- Dangerous driving
- Assault on an emergency worker
Greater Manchester Police said the case highlights the close working relationship between officers and prison staff, stressing that those working within prisons should be able to carry out their duties without fear of violence.
A spokesperson added that GMP will continue to support staff across the prison service and ensure that offenders who commit assaults in custody are fully investigated and prosecuted.
