'Sleeping' prison officers sacked

Two prison officers have been sacked for falling asleep while they were meant to be guarding an inmate who was receiving hospital treatment.

The incident happened at the Medway Maritime Hospital, in Gillingham, Kent, and involved two members of staff from nearby Rochester Prison.

The sleeping guards were noticed by hospital staff who then reported the matter to prison authorities.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) said an appeal was set to be made.

'Unprofessional conduct'

Pete McParlin, POA representative for London, Kent and East Anglia, said: "We would never condone staff deliberately sleeping on duty, but there may be mitigating reasons.

"It [the officers' sacking] will be subject to an appeal."

A Prison Service spokeswoman said: "Officers who are investigated for unprofessional conduct may face disciplinary proceedings, including dismissal."

Staff then have a five-week window in which to appeal.

Rochester Prison houses young offenders serving sentences of four years or under.