There was drama at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court when a rapist, described as ‘the most dangerous prisoner in HMP Long Lartin’, appeared in the dock – for just 30 seconds.
The individual, appearing before magistrates accused of a non-sexual offence, was transported over 4 hours from the Category A prison in Worcestershire on Friday morning (7th February).
But when his case was called on, he refused to leave his cell.
Disagreements between court officials and SERCO over what ‘reasonable force’ could be used to put the defendant before the bench ensued.
The defendant was soon bundled up the stairs from the holding cells by no less than 8 prison officers and SERCO staff members, some of which had been sent down the road from HMP Isle of Wight to assist.
The serving prisoner – who Island Echo is not naming to enable reporting of Friday’s dramatic hearing – entered the dock handcuffed, wearing a spit hood and flanked by prison officers on either side of him.
Within seconds he began kicking the wooden walls of the dock, leading to prison officers standing on his feet.
The court’s legal advisor asked the defendant to identify himself but he kept a vow of silence – with HMP Long Lartin staff stating he would not engage.
Just 30 seconds into the hearing the matter was adjourned and the prisoner was taken back down to the cells.
He was then transported another 4 hours back to HMP Long Lartin.
What an absolute waste of time and money, also he got to get out of his cell which he should not of been allowed to do, maybe video link is the way forward so he never leaves his cell.
Think of the Ferry Fares
Another waste of time and money then..video link?? we live in the year 2025 not 1870.
Ridiculous. Magistrates generally work on slam-dunk offences so why couldn’t that be a video link? What a bloody waste of money.
Who is in charge? The court could surely have required the defendant to appear by video link?