By Scott Hesketh
Daily Star UK
KENT — Staff shortages meant lags at HMP Swaleside in Kent were left sweltering in their cells, unable to enjoy the scorching weather in the yard.
The inmates – who say they had to make paper fans just to keep cool – staged sit-down protests outside their cells. The stand-off turned ugly when a senior prison officer was stabbed in the chest with a makeshift knife. He was taken to hospital but his injuries were not life-threatening.
A colleague was slashed in the arm while another guard was punched in the face and kicked during the incident last weekend. The disturbance prompted a full wing lockdown as armed officers in riot gear checked each cell in a “Tornado” search.
But there are now fears of a riot after Prison Service cuts forced the Category B nick to shut its security department and slash guard numbers. Angry inmates have also been told work wages have been dropped by £2.50 and cells will not be unlocked in the evening from next year.
A source at the jail said: “The prisoners are absolutely fuming. It’s roasting hot, the windows only open two inches, there is no air conditioning and, while screws sit outside with f**k all to do, we are kept locked up all day due to apparent staff shortages. We want to go out and enjoy the sun.”
Full story: Riot fear in sun ban prison