A Hamilton inmate has been charged with attempted murder after a three-person fracas at the Barton jail.

The man was an inmate at the Hamilton Wentworth Detention Centre on Nov. 22. He got in a fight with another inmate, who received a severe head injury. A second inmate tried to intervene and was also injured.

Both men were treated in hospital, police say. One suffered "catastrophic injuries and he is not expected to fully recover."

The suspect was arrested at the court house today and charged with attempted murder and assault causing bodily harm, Hamilton Police Services say. The suspect has been in custody since the incident, although on unrelated charges.