Matthew Tidman, corrections officer beaten on the job, released from hospital

BOSTON -- A corrections officer who was beaten while on the job has been released from the hospital. 

Matthew Tidman was on life support after an inmate at MCI-Shirley allegedly came from behind and hit him in the head with a metal pole from a piece of exercise equipment on August 31. 

Tidman left Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital on Friday, nearly two months after the incident. 

"It was just amazing to see. Three months ago, we weren't sure what was going to happen, we all hoped for the best. Today was just a monumental day for Matt leaving the rehabilitation center," said Kevin Flanagan, the legislative representative for the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union. "He did look like he was in good spirits. Obviously, seeing his brother and sister correction officers out here and just the amazing show of support, I think it was good for him to see that we have his back."   

Roy Booth, a 40-year-old convicted murderer, was charged with armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery causing serious bodily injury and mayhem.  

"Mr. Booth had made statements previous to this incident that he was looking for a way to get back to Virginia, that one of the ways he could get back to Virginia is if he hurts someone," a prosecutor said at Booth's arraignment. 

He is being held without bail, even though he is already serving a life sentence.