Sponsored by
Prison warders hurt in rioting
SERIOUS concerns about tensions in a Northumberland youth prison have been expressed after three warders were battered with pool cues during rioting last week.
Disorder broke out at Castington Young Offenders' Institution, near Acklington, on October 4, in what is believed to have been a pre-planned attack by up to 20 inmates.
The convicts used toilet paper to black-out security cameras on B-Wing and wore masks made from cut-up pillows before going on the rampage armed with pool balls and cues.
Warders were forced to run for their lives as the mayhem escalated, before returning in greater numbers with riot shields to tackle the violent Saturday afternoon outburst.
Six people in total, including three prison officers, needed hospital treatment for cuts, bruises and head injuries.
One warder, who asked not to be identified, said: "It was an extremely dangerous flare-up and officers were hurt.
"There's always tension on the wings, it's a pretty volatile environment, but more has to be done to protect wardens from this kind of thing.
"Extendable batons carried by officers at all times would be a deterrent."
The baton idea has also been requested by Joe Simpson, North East regional officer for the Prison Officers' Association, who has written to Home Secretary Jack Straw and local MP Alan Beith asking for its introduction.
Mr Beith said: "Castington is a well-run institution which deals with some very difficult young people, and there is always a degree of risk for prison officers, who do an excellent job.
"This incident could have been much worse, had it not been for the decisive action taken by staff.
"I will look at any proposals put forward by the Prison Officers' Association with care."
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Conservative PPC for Berwick-upon-Tweed constituency, said she was dismayed to hear of the rioting.
"On my visits to Castington I have always been impressed by the orderly and instructive environment which the warders manage to create for these most difficult and dangerous of our young offenders," she said.
"I am shocked to hear that some of our finest officers have been injured, and I wish them all a speedy recovery."
Anne-Marie has written to governor Alex Tait to offer her support and discuss ways in which the officers at Castington can be supported in a safe working environment.
A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: "A disturbance involving up to 20 young adult prisoners took place at Castington.
"Prison officers regained control within three minutes due to their swift and courageous response, and a serious incident was averted.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Northumberland
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North east
