Blantyre inmate took part in prison rampage

Aug 26 2010 by Alastair McNeill, Hamilton Advertiser

A PRISONER from Blantyre contributed to thousands of pounds of damage as he and two other inmates went on the rampage at Addiewell jail.

Kevin Kelly (20), and co-accused Matthew Harris (23), of Aberdeen, and 25-year-old Paul Jackson, of Coatbridge, all took part in the three-hour disturbance on February 9, 2009 – weeks after the prison opened.

They pleaded guilty to breach of the peace charges, and Jackson also admitted wilful fireraising.

Only one female officer was on patrol in the prison’s Douglas A wing – which housed 35 prisoners – when the riot kicked off at around 7.30pm.

Livingston Sheriff Court had heard the three inmates had barricaded themselves in with pool tables, desks and chairs.

They wrecked computers, televisions, fire alarms and CCTV equipment as well as smashing glass fire doors by throwing pool balls at them.

Toilet paper and pillow cases were set alight and the wing was flooded after a sink was pulled off the wall.

Ringleader Jackson started the vandalism after complaining about a CD player, and caused £8000 worth of damage by setting fire to his cell.

Prison officials were forced to instigate emergency procedures and police and fire crews attended.

Roadblocks were also put in place one mile from the prison as a precaution.

The disturbance at the 700-capacity jail came to an end when 30 prison officers, in full riot gear, stormed the wing.

Jackson’s solicitor, Brian Mohan, claimed the incident would have been handled differently in a more established prison.

“If this incident had taken place in a more established prison, it may be that with more experienced officers on hand, Mr Jackson’s behaviour may have been nipped in the bud.

“It is not an excuse for what happened, but he took advantage of a new prison where everyone was finding their feet.”

Deferring sentence until next month, Sheriff Douglas Kinloch questioned the Crown Office’s decision to charge the three men with breach of the peace instead of rioting.

He said: “Rioters in prison have generally been prosecuted in the High Court.

“Although it has been charged as breach of the peace, I am absolutely clear that an incident of this nature in prison must result in a custodial sentence.”

Sheriff Kinloch said he would give “careful consideration” to all the facts before passing sentence.

He added: “What I will say is in a case like this sentences are unlikely to be short. There has to be an element of deterrent to this.

“Similar cases which have been prosecuted in the High Court have resulted in lengthy committals, and I want to consider the circumstances of these and the fact it has been charged as breach of the peace.”

Kalyx, the firm that operates the prison, said: “Staff at the prison do a difficult and dangerous job on behalf of the public and there is no excuse for any individuals to perpetuate in violent behaviour.

“We will always cooperate with other justice agencies to ensure that any such individuals are held to account for their actions.

“We have every confidence that all staff are properly trained to deal with every eventuality, as has been evident through action they have taken when dealing with any individuals who have attempted to engage in unacceptable violent behaviour.”