Riot at Addiewell could have been prevented says solicitor

Aug 26 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A RIOT at Addiewell Prison just weeks after it opened could have been prevented if more experienced staff had been on duty, a solicitor has claimed.

Paul Jackson kicked off a three-hour disturbance at the privately-run prison when he smashed a computer with a pool cue after his demands for a CD player were ignored.

The 25-year-old, along with Matthew Harris (23) and Kevin Kelly (20), then went on to cause thousands of pounds worth of damage after going on the rampage on February 9, 2009 — eight weeks after the prison opened.

Livingston Sheriff Court heard that only one female prison officer was on patrol in Douglas A Wing, which housed 35 prisoners, when the riot kicked off at around 7.30pm.

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

“After making various noises about his CD player, he began this vandalism which stretched over a number of hours,” Mr Mohan said. “There were very few staff in the wing at the time and it was only a couple of months after Addiewell opened.

“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.”

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 co-operate 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.”

The court heard the three inmates caused carnage in the wing after barricading themselves in with pool tables, desks, chairs and televisions.

The prisoners 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.

Jackson also caused nearly £8000 worth to damage to his cell by setting fire to it.

Prison officials were forced to instigate emergency procedures with police and fire crews called to the 700-capacity jail and roadblocks were put in place a mile from the prison as a precautionary step.

The disturbance was only brought to an end when 30 prison officers in full riot gear stormed the wing.

Kalyx said it was unable to give a total cost of repairs as they said all the work was carried out internally but a spokesman described the damage as “minimal”.

Jackson, of Coatbridge, Harris, of Aberdeen and Kelly, of Blantyre, all pled guilty to charges of breach of the peace when they appeared at the court last week.

Jackson also admitted a charge of willful fireraising.

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

He said: “I would like to know why it is a breach of the peace charge rather than rioting.

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

“This was a serious incident which only ended when officers in riot gear were called in.

“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.”