PRISONERS who led a mutiny at a Tardebigge jail have had more than 40 years added to their existing sentences.

The riot at HMP Hewell began at around 5.15pm on Saturday, July 22, 2017 when a number of prisoners refused to return to their cells.

They were complaining to staff about their living conditions and a smoking ban that had recently been introduced when some became verbally aggressive.

A pool table and table tennis table were tipped over.

Prisoners began to throw pool balls and chairs at staff causing them to leave.

While the guards were away, cell doors and fire alarms were damaged, glass windows were smashed, and door handles were broken off by prisoners.

Several prisoners removed water pipes from washing machines, which caused the wing to flood, and a total of 18 CCTV cameras were damaged.

A number of staff were also injured during the riot.

In total, thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused and the area where the incident took place had to be closed down resulting in prisoners being moved to other prisons across the country with only a small group remaining at HMP Hwell.

11 prisoners had previously pleaded guilty to participating in a prison mutiny and were sentenced last week.

Another defendant, Grant Samed, 32, will be sentenced on February 12.

Two defendants - Matthew Armstrong and Timothy Murphy - had initially denied being involved in the disorder but following a nine-day trial at Birmingham Crown Court earlier this month, they were found guilty of participating in a prison mutiny.

Armstrong, 28, will be sentenced on February 5 while Murphy, 24, will be sentenced on February 7.

All the prisoners' sentences will run consecutively to their current jail terms.

Detective Constable Phil Shadwell, who led the investigation into the riot, said: "Violence inside a prison will not be tolerated and assaults on members of the emergency services or those working in the public sector will never be acceptable.

"I hope these sentences send a clear message that we will do everything we can to thoroughly investigate incidents such as these and, in doing so, ensure offenders are brought to justice.

"I also hope those thinking of taking part in such a disorder in the future will think twice before doing so and can expect lengthy sentences should they decide to participate."

Prisons Minister Rory Stewart added: "The behaviour of these prisoners was completely unacceptable and has rightly been met with the full force of the law.

"I want to ensure prisons are places of stability where offenders can turn their lives around, and I thank our hardworking staff and colleagues at West Mercia Police who have helped to bring these men to justice."