Prison mutiny case was biggest ever handled by Lincs CPS
28/01/2005
The end of the trial of the 26th defendant following the mutiny at Lincoln Prison brings to a conclusion the biggest ever case handled by the CPS in Lincolnshire, said Chief Crown Prosecutor Alison Kerr.
Miss Kerr said: "When an inmate Paul Davies attacked a guard, stole his keys and released 150 prisoners in October 2002 he set in motion events that ended in the death of a prisoner; several guards and prisoners attacked and more than 2.7 million in damage. Out of the 26 defendants, 21 have been convicted of serious offences.
"This was a very frightening incident for the vast majority of prisoners who had no part in the mutiny. For eight hours men went on the rampage, smashing up the prison and setting three separate fires.
"They broke into the pharmacy to steal the drugs and one prisoner later died of a drugs overdose."
The CPS was involved at an early stage, advising police during the progress of a massive investigation as Lincoln Prison held 570 prisoners. The police identified 140 suspects initially which were reduced to 45. The reviewing lawyer looked at the evidence and advised that 26 men should be charged.
As the biggest case ever handled by CPS Lincolnshire, the prosecuting team had to deal with:
- 4,000 court exhibits
- 1,100 statements
- Disclosing evidence to 22 firms of solicitors for the defendants
Miss Kerr said: "A prosecution team of four worked on the case with the police from the start: Senior Crown Prosecutor Allison Cunningham; caseworker Lorraine Bristow; counsel Gordon Aspden and Gareth Weetman.
"The nature and quality of evidence presented by prosecuting counsel at the trials reflects the close co-operation between all members of the prosecution team since October 2002."
Notes to Editors
- The mutiny took place on October 23, 2002.
- The prisoner who died was named as Lee Blake, 37, of Scunthorpe.
- For further information contact CPS Press Office on 020 7796 8180.
