Ford prison riot trial starts

Inmates Roche Allen, 25, Lee Roberts, 40, Lennie Franklin, 23, Paul Hadcroft, 25, and Ryan Martin, 24, have denied taking part in a prison mutiny, violent disorder and arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Thomas Regan, 23, denies taking part in a prison mutiny and arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, but today changed his plea for violent disorder to guilty.

A seventh man, Carniel Francis, 25, is accused of taking part in a prison mutiny and violent disorder. He denies the charges.

A jury of eight women and four men were sworn in. Today (January 19) the jury along with the prosecution and defence counsels visited the prison.

Trouble flared at the category D prison on January 1 last year when buildings were torched after a bid to crack down on contraband alcohol. Buildings were set alight, causing extensive damage.

The trial at Hove Trial Centre is expected to last until March 1.