Seven teenage prisoners at HMPYOI Werrington, a young offenders unit in the Midlands, have had their sentences extended after they viciously attacked two fellow inmates and prison officers before climbing onto a roof. The incident occurred on 29 June 2024, and the group was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 10 July.
Attack During Exercise Period
The gang, aged 18 to 19, lured their first victim during an exercise period. CCTV footage showed Rhys Griffiths, 18, drawing the victim into a corner with something in his hand. Michael Desta, 19, then stabbed the victim in the head, while Jamhar Bryan, 19, Troy Pemberton-Bailey, 19, Griffiths, and Mason Martin, 19, pulled out weapons to join the attack. Reehan Nezir, 19, acted as a lookout. Shortly after, a second prisoner was attacked by the same group.
Officers Intervene, Prisoners Take to Roof
Prison officers managed to rescue both victims, who were taken to hospital and discharged after treatment. The seven prisoners then climbed onto a roof inside the prison, causing more than £2,000 in damage. After six hours, Desta, Martin, and Bryan were detained. When the remaining four—Griffiths, Nezir, Pemberton-Bailey, and L’Vaion Peniston, 18—were brought down, they threw objects and punches at officers.
Sentences Handed Down
At Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Griffiths, now of HMP Fosse Way, admitted two counts of Section 18 wounding with intent, one count of violent disorder, and one count of criminal damage. He was sentenced to seven years and nine months. Desta, now of HMP Brinsford, admitted the same charges and received five years and eight months. Bryan, now of HMP Hindley, and Peniston, of HMP Brinsford, also admitted the same charges and were each sentenced to five years. Pemberton-Bailey, of HMP Brinsford, received four years for the same offences. Martin, of HMP Brinsford, was sentenced to four years and three months for the same charges. Nezir, of HMP Hindley, admitted violent disorder and criminal damage and received one year and three months.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Sam Booth, from the prisons investigation team, said: “These group of inmates launched particularly vicious and prolonged attacks on two other prisoners. If it was not for the intervention of officers on site, this incident could have had a very different ending. We are continuing to work proactively to take robust action against any prisoners in Staffordshire who continue to offend while they are serving their time.”
