Four men sent back to jail after riot at open prison

FOUR men have been sent back to jail following a riot at an open prison where inmates became angry over alcohol breath-testing carried out by prison staff in the run-up to New Year’s Day last year.

Trouble flared at Ford Open Prison, in Arundel, West Sussex, shortly after midnight, when masked inmates torched and smashed up the prison, causing more than £5 million worth of damage.

Thomas Regan, 23, Lennie Franklin, 23, and Roche Allen, 25, were jailed for seven years after being found guilty of prison mutiny by a jury at Hove Crown Court. Carniel Francis, 25, received a two-and-a-half-year sentence for violent disorder.

Lee Roberts, 41, Franklin and Allen were also found guilty of violent disorder. Regan had already pleaded guilty to the charge. Roberts was also found guilty of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered. His sentencing was adjourned for reports to assess his mental health.

Ryan Martin was acquitted of all three offences.