A boss at Scotland’s controversial detention centre for immigrants needed hospital treatment after an attack by an inmate.

Christopher Hardy was cut by a shard from a plant pot in a struggle with Karim Tememe.

The assault happened at Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre near Strathaven, Lanarkshire, where Tememe was being held after serving a prison sentence.

The centre has come under fire for housing vulnerable asylum seekers, including women and children, alongside violent criminals awaiting deportation.

Tememe, 37, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday and admitted assaulting Mr Hardy, the duty manager, on May 17 after being refused methadone.

Chloe O’Hara, prosecuting, said: “Tememe lifted a ceramic plant pot and threw it at a window, causing the pot to break. He then picked up a ceramic shard.

“Mr Hardy grabbed the accused’s wrist to try to take this off him. There was a struggle and the accused pulled his hand away, causing the shard to cut Mr Hardy’s left hand.”

Tememe also admitted smashing a window and assaulting a female inmate.

The Tunisian, who had served a jail sentence and was facing five other cases, was being held at Dungavel while officials decided whether to deport him.

Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen jailed him for 19 months, backdated to June 13.

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