Prison riot damage revealed

A prison officer was held at knifepoint during violence

Damage caused in a prison riot was due to be made public on Wednesday as a Kent jail opened its doors.

Inmates at Rochester Prison rioted on Thursday, 18 October taking an officer hostage.

Reporters were being invited into the prison to assess the damage on Wednesday.

The inmates barricaded themselves into a cell as Home Office negotiators and a quick-response team were called in.

'Substantial' damage

According to the Prison Service "substantial" damage was caused to the jail, which took place in B wing.

Officers in riot gear went in at 0400 BST regaining control of the wing, which houses 63 inmates.

A prison service spokesman said that when the Tornado response team went into the prison, they were met with little resistance from prisoners.

According to the Prison Officers' Association (POA), an officer was held at knifepoint, during the violence.

Speaking last Thursday, POA general secretary Brian Caton said: "Once again prison officers have been called upon to quell a prison riot.

"As always they were found not wanting in the levels of tenacity and bravery.

Prison disgraced

"The bravery shown by the officer taken hostage and those who professionally rescued him should be rewarded by not only the Prison Service, but the home secretary on behalf of the society."

The prison's visitors' board explained that the riot might have been sparked because of changes to the prison's regime.

An official report published in January 2000 described the prison as "a disgrace".

The then chief inspector of prisons, Sir David Ramsbotham, said Rochester Prison was guilty of "institutional neglect".

He particularly criticised the treatment of asylum seekers, illegal immigrants and young offenders.