(1/2/99)
CONCORD, N.H. (UPI) -- A New Hampshire State Prison inmate so feared the arrival of 2000 that he sewed his eyes and lips shut with dental floss on New Year's Eve, according to officials.
Mark Wefers, chief of internal investigations at the men's prison in Concord, said corrections officers found him covered in baby powder and clutching a Bible when they responded to noises at 11:43 p.m. Friday in a medium-security. Investigators believe he used needles found in his cell to thread the dental floss, according to the New Hampshire Sunday News.
"The inmate told corrections officers he was in fear of the new year," said Wefers. ``He was afraid rioters would steal his dental floss and needles, as well as his stylish yet comfortable prison garb.''
The man was receiving psychological and medical evaluation at The prison's health services unit, according to Wefers. He lost blood, but was not injured seriously enough to warrant being taken to a hospital.
The inmate's name was not released, but Wefers said he had served about one year for cocaine possession and believed he had two more years left. ``He's clearly rehabilitated,'' commented Wefers.