KATANA PARIS AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN MANCHESTER PRISON

In a disturbing series of incidents at HMP Forest Bank in Salford, Manchester, inmate Katana Paris, who is serving time for previous sexual assault offenses, committed further acts of sexual misconduct against prison staff. The events unfolded over two consecutive days and involved inappropriate physical contact with both male and female officers, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by prison personnel.

The first incident occurred in the early morning hours around 7:50 am, when a female prison officer was performing her duties by serving breakfast to Paris, who was then 27 years old. Accompanied by two other inmates, the officer approached Paris’s cell to deliver her meal. Unusually, Paris stepped out of her cell during this routine activity, prompting the officer to request that she step back. However, Paris ignored the instruction and instead placed her hand on the officer’s hand, then proceeded to slide her fingers between her knuckles in an inappropriate manner. Witnesses reported that Paris then 'jumped up and down like she was excited' before moving closer to the officer and touching her genitals without consent.

The court heard that the female officer was visibly shocked and in disbelief at the deliberate nature of the assault. She did not immediately report the incident to avoid drawing attention from other inmates, but she did report it afterward. One of the inmates assisting with the breakfast reportedly asked the officer if Paris had just touched her inappropriately, to which she confirmed the incident. The court emphasized the seriousness of this assault, noting the vulnerability of prison staff in such situations.

The following day, during lunchtime, a male custody officer was serving food through the hatch of Paris’s cell. As he unlocked the hatch and passed her the meal, Paris became aggressive. She reached out her right hand and grabbed his genitals, causing him to feel immediately violated. The officer responded swiftly, using his physical strength to push her back into her cell to prevent further contact. This second incident further underscored the troubling pattern of behavior exhibited by Paris.

Paris, who has a lengthy criminal record comprising 87 offenses, including sexual assault by touching, was already serving a three-year sentence for sexually assaulting a nurse. Her previous conviction involved pulling a nurse towards her genitals while she was hospitalized, and she was sentenced to 37 months for that offense.

During the court proceedings, her defense attorney, Rochelle Collins, argued that Paris was experiencing significant mental health issues and emotional instability at the time of the incidents. She expressed remorse on her behalf, stating, "She is extremely remorseful and tells me this happened at a time when her mental health was at its lowest. She doesn’t want to continue with these types of behaviors. There has been no further complaint whilst she has been in custody."

Prosecutor Megan Edwards described the incidents in detail, emphasizing the breach of trust and the vulnerability of prison staff. She highlighted that the first incident involved Paris walking towards the female officer and touching her inappropriately, while the second involved grabbing the male officer’s genitals through the hatch.

The judge, Recorder of Manchester Judge Nicholas Dean KC, sentenced Paris to an additional six months in prison, which will be added to her existing sentence. He underscored the importance of protecting prison officers, who are considered emergency workers and are particularly vulnerable to such assaults. The judge also noted that Paris showed little remorse and appeared to regard her actions as trivial.

Following her sentencing, Paris was transferred to HMP Swaleside. She will also be required to register as a sex offender for five years, reflecting the gravity of her misconduct and the court’s recognition of the ongoing threat she poses to others.