Teenager denies mutiny charge

A wing of the jail was seized during six hours of rioting

A teenage inmate, accused of taking part in a riot at Ashfield Young Offenders' Institution, has appeared in court on a charge of mutiny.

John Marshall, 19, denies he was involved in the siege in August 2002.

It is claimed staff at the jail, at Pucklechurch near Bristol, had to run for cover when prisoners tried to take over.

On Monday, Bristol Crown Court heard how an entire wing of the prison was seized by the young inmates.

During six hours of violence, barricades were erected, TVs and furniture ransacked and table tennis tables hurled from the jail's landings as staff lost control, the court heard.

Prosecuting, Ray Tully told the jury: "Ashfield is and has been open to criticism.

"On August 19th last year there were rumours that something was afoot.

'Precision planned'

"What happened was not accidental, it was planned with precision by some of the inmates."

He went on to describe how the staff were forced to withdraw as chaos ruled on the wing.

Twelve prisoners - who cannot be named for legal reasons - have already pleaded guilty to their part in the mutiny.

Mr Marshall says he did not take part and denies the charge of mutiny.

The court was told how he used a piece of debris as a weapon and was dressed in a uniform stolen from a guard.

It is claimed Mr Marshall then refused to go back to his cell.

The jury was told that the privately-run Ashfield institution has in the past been the subject of both Prison Service and Home Office investigations.

The case continues.