Two inmates who caused more than £30,000 worth of damage to Erlestoke prison during an affray have been sentenced to further time in prison.
Greg Coombes, aged 27, originally from Bristol, and serving a sentence for GBH, was sentenced to a further 28 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to criminal damage and affray. He must also pay a victim surcharge of £170.
Adam Taylor, aged 25, originally from Liverpool and serving a sentence for possession with intent to supply, was sentenced to a further 24 months’ imprisonment after also pleading guilty. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £140.
During main prisoner movements at approximately 8.30am on 6th June 2016, the two men ran to the security porta-cabin and scaled onto the flat roof outside. Negotiators were put in place but the men managed to access the roof of the admin block and visit halls where staff were working. They armed themselves with metal poles, having snapped off a television aerial and systematically damaged roof furniture and windows forcing staff to flee wearing protective clothing.
The two men then continued to attack the windows of the command suite, forcing staff to relocate.
A slate roof was dismantled and tiles were thrown at staff, buildings, and towards cars in the staff car park. The men then broke in through a sky light in the Governor’s office.
A national team – a team of specially trained officers – were dispatched from Kidlington who used pyrotechnics, dogs and ladders in an attempt to get to the offenders, but they continued on their rampage to the reception block where further damage was caused and they surrendered to officers.
Detective Constable Kev Golledge said, “The despicable actions of these two prisoners placed a huge drain on resources at the prison while other offenders were becoming volatile towards staff in other areas of the prison, due to the regime being halted for a number of hours.
“The men continued on their rampage until 1.10pm – nearly five hours later, having caused approximately £30,000 worth of damage.
“This behaviour is totally unacceptable and I would like to make it clear that, as in this case, the Prison Service will work with the Police to ensure that prisoners who behave in this way will be punished.
“As a result of their actions, these two men will now spend a significantly longer time behind bars.”
