Rioting inmates who wrecked prison will not face any charges

An investigation was launched after prisoners at HMP Ashwell, near Oakham, Rutland, Leicestershire, smashed windows, set fires and threw rocks at staff during a 21-hour riot in April 2009.

The inmates stormed the healthcare centre, a workshop, the reception area and a number of accommodation wings.

No staff were injured, but two prisoners received medical treatment as the violence raged – one was taken ill during the day and another was treated for cuts.

The disturbance saw specialist prison officers called to the low-category C jail to bring the situation under control, and its perimeter was cordoned off by more than 100 police officers as around 420 inmates were relocated to other prisons.

But yesterday the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said its East Midlands Complex Casework Unit had examined evidence presented after the disorder but there was insufficient evidence to bring a charge of prison mutiny.

A statement said: "A comprehensive file of the evidence available was submitted by Leicestershire police following a thorough investigation.

"This was reviewed by an experienced senior lawyer in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors

"The review determined that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute a charge of prison mutiny."