An inmate who assaulted a corrections officer at Okanagan Correctional Centre in February could face between 18 months and three years more in jail following a guilty plea in Penticton court today, June 8, 2018.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

PENTICTON - An inmate at Okanagan Correctional Centre will spend between 18 months and three years more in jail for assaulting a corrections officer at the Okanagan Correctional Centre earlier this year.

Jeffrey Kyle Polanski, 37, entered a guilty plea to one count of assault causing bodily harm in Penticton court this afternoon, June 8.

Crown prosecutor Nashina Devji told court Polanski was serving a sentence for break and enter at the Okanagan Correctional Centre in Oliver when he assaulted the prison guard on Feb.13, 2018.

The officer was working in Unit A east when Polanski came up from behind and sucker punched him, knocking him to the ground. He then delivered six more punches in the space of 10 to 15 seconds before walking away. The assault was caught on video and witnessed by other officers.

The victim was escorted to medical services where he was treated for cuts and bruises, given 10 stitches above his left eye. He had significant bruising to his right ear and jaw, a black eye with his left eye swollen shut.

He told other officers he had previously spoken to Polanski about an issue with his laundry prior to the assault.

Devji noted Polanski’s prior criminal record was mostly of break and enter, and possession charges. He was convicted in 2016 of assault and received a $100 fine. He was convicted of assaulting a police officer in June of 2007.

Devji also recounted victim impact statements to Judge Meg Shaw, including a statement read to the court by the correction centre's assistant deputy of operations Ken Drover, who said the assault had a profound impact on the victim and the workplace.

Devji asked for an additional prison sentence of three years for the assault, calling it unprovoked and protracted.

Defence lawyer Robert Dick told court his client had a history of drug use. While condemning the attack, he said “significant tensions” existed between prisoners and staff members at the jail.

“I don’t know where it comes from... it’s clearly higher than other institutions,” he said, adding he was confident the situation will be resolved over time.

“I do not engage for a second in an effort to justify Mr. Polanski’s behaviour. It was wrong, he’s accepted responsibility. He is sorry he caused the damage, but it also has to be said the impression one might otherwise have of this… is not necessarily quite correct. The behaviour does have reasons behind it,” Dick said.

Dick urged Judge Shaw to impose a prison term that would see his client serve his sentence in a federal prison where he would have access to programs and services in order to deal with his issues.

He asked for a sentence of 18 to 24 months, which when added to the sentence his client was currently serving, would place him in federal custody.

Polanski was transferred to Kamloops Correctional Centre following the attack, where he is currently in segregation on 23-hour lockdown.

Polanski, who appeared by video, apologized for the incident saying, “I lost control and I need to get a handle on it.”

Judge Shaw reserved judgement to review case law.

Polanski’s next court date is June 20.

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