Arundel rioters face crown court

The seven men charged in connection with a riot at Arundel's Ford Open Prison have had their case committed to Lewes Crown Court.

In the mutiny by inmates at the prison on New Year's Day buildings were set on fire after a crackdown by guards on contraband alcohol. It has been reported that guards found about 40 empty alcohol bottles in their search which sparked the riot.

Rioters set light to buildings during the early hours of New Year's Day and again the next day – causing extensive damage to six accommodation blocks, a gym, the mail room and snooker and pool rooms.

Roche Allen, Lennie Franklin, Ryan Martin, Thomas Regan, Lee Roberts and Paul Hadcroft appeared at Chichester Magistrates' Court on Friday charged with arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and violent disorder.

Carniel Francis, appeared alongside them charged with violent disorder, according to the court.

No pleas were entered and the case was committed to Lewes Crown Court where all seven men will appear on August 15.

After the riot, it emerged that warnings about low staffing numbers and leaving junior staff to patrol alone had been made just weeks before.

At the start of the riot, just two officers and four support staff were on duty at the prison, which houses about 500 inmates. The guards had to retreat as violence increased and riot police were brought in before authorities regained control.