Antonio Colopi, a 32-year-old inmate at Montacuto prison in Ancona, Italy, was sentenced to six years in prison after attempting to strangle a correctional officer with a judo chokehold during a courtyard transfer on Dec. 2, 2024.
The Prison Yard Attack And Rescue
The assault unfolded as inmates moved toward the prison recreation area. Colopi approached a 39-year-old assistant chief of the penitentiary police from behind and struck him in the cheekbone, according to reports. The officer collapsed to the floor under the force of the blow.
Colopi continued the assault by kicking the fallen officer, then straddled his back and wrapped his arm around the victim’s neck. Court filings describe the maneuver as a martial arts technique known as the Mata Leão, or lion’s choke, recognized as one of the most effective maneuvers in judo. Two nearby correctional officers intervened as the victim began losing consciousness and his vision darkened from oxygen deprivation.
Threats And Injuries Sustained During The Struggle
When the two responding guards pulled Colopi away from their colleague, the inmate turned his aggression toward them, landing blows and shouting death threats that included, Vi ammazzo tutti.
The primary victim sustained injuries requiring a 30-day medical prognosis for recovery. All three officers involved faced physical assaults, prompting prosecutors to bring multiple charges against the inmate.
Trial Verdict And Mental Health Evaluation
Francesca De Palma handed down the six-year prison sentence following a fast-track trial requested by defense attorney Annalisa Corradetti. The court also ordered Colopi to pay an immediate provisional compensation of 5,000 euros to the primary victim, who was represented as a civil party by attorney Giuseppe Cutrona.
The 32-year-old stood trial for attempted murder, personal injury against the victim and two other officers, and resisting a public official. At the time of the Montacuto assault, Colopi was already detained in connection with a 2016 homicide in Cervia, where his roommate was killed with a meat cleaver.
Court-appointed psychiatric evaluations determined that Colopi possessed diminished mental capacity, leading the judge to rule him socially dangerous. In addition to his six-year prison term, the court mandated that he spend one year in a Rems facility.
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