Men Charged Over Prison Riot

15 July 2011, 10:09 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Seven men have been charged in connection with a riot at an open prison in West Sussex where buildings were burnt to the ground.

A New Year's Day mutiny by inmates at Ford Prison near Arundel, saw buildings torched after a bid to crack down on contraband alcohol.

Rioters set light to buildings during the night and again at lunchtime, causing extensive damage to six accommodation blocks, a gym, mail room and snooker and pool rooms.

Roche Allen, Lennie Franklin, Ryan Martin, Thomas Regan, Lee Roberts and Paul Hadcroft have been charged with arson being reckless as to whether life endangered and violent disorder.

A seventh man, Carniel Francis, is charged with violent disorder, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said in a statement.

The seven will appear at Chichester Magistrates' Court on July 29.