A CONVICTED rapist with a history of violence attacked three prison officers at HMP Isle of Wight.

Richard Houston, from Derby, was jailed for 15 years after he raped his victim and set fire to her hair.

He now resides at HMP Isle of Wight, where on May 11 he assaulted three emergency workers — charges he admitted via videolink at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said Houston was found drunk in prison on banned homemade alcohol, known as 'hooch'.

He lost privileges and his prison job as a result, and was unable to earn money.

When a prison officer broke the news to him, he became agitated, grabbed the officer by the neck and dragged him into a cell.

He punched, headbutt and bit another prison officer, and punched a third in the head.

All three victims had to attend hospital to have their injuries treated.

Houston claimed his wrist had been broken, but a check revealed it had not.

Jim Osborne, representing Houston, said he had been in jail since 2016 and felt very ashamed by his actions. He had spoken to two of the officers in person and apologised.

In prison, he had a 50-day punishment by having his status downgraded.

He has nine years left to serve, and is set for release in 2031.

Magistrates gave him a 36-week custodial sentence, but it will run concurrently with his existing sentence.

He must pay a £128 surcharge.