Seriously injured man reported assaults

NORWICH Prison's governor today said a Suffolk man operated on for life-threatening injuries had complained of two assaults while on remand.

As reported in yesterday's Evening Star, Michael Cornwell, of Back Lane, Monks Eleigh, was left fighting for his life at Addenbrooke's Hospital with serious head injuries.

He was taken ill following a court appearance in which he was granted bail after being brought to Ipswich Crown Court from Norwich Prison.

He had previously claimed he sustained head injuries at the jail and today it emerged he had been placed in protective custody after telling wardens he had been attacked.

Today the 53-year-old is still receiving treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

James Shanley, Governor at Norwich Prison, said: “Mr Cornwell did make two complaints of assault while held at Norwich prison and received medical treatment on both occasions.

“When such allegations are made it is normal procedure to investigate them fully but that can only be done if the prisoner chooses to co-operate.

“Following the accusations he was placed under protection.

“This can be done at any time for a number of reasons, including the nature of a prisoner's offences.”

A spokesperson for Norfolk police said the force was not currently investigating the alleged assaults as no complaint had been made.

Cornwell was taken ill shortly after being released on conditional bail at Ipswich Crown Court.

It is believed he collapsed after a hearing into his case for trespassing while under a restraining order last Wednesday.

It is understood Cornwell underwent an emergency operation at Addenbrooke's after being transferred from Ipswich Hospital.

A spokeswoman for Addenbrooke's today said Cornwell is in a “stable” condition.