Security alert at Walton Jail

WALTON jail was at the centre of a security alert today after reports ammunition was hidden inside.

Prisoners were prevented from leaving the jail for court appearances as guards undertook a massive search of the jail following a tip-off.

Several trials at Liverpool crown court were delayed as defendants on remand at Walton were unable to appear due to the lockdown.

A source said: "It’s a serious incident. Nobody is being allowed to leave their cells while the search is going on.

"Apparently the prisoners might be allowed to go to court later this afternoon, but for now nobody is going anywhere."

Hearings at Liverpool magistrates court were also backlogged, as Walton bosses maintained the special security measure.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "HMP Liverpool is running a restricted regime today for operational reasons. Prisoners will still receive meals and medical requirements will be met.

"Court escorts and social visits will take place as normal."

The prison, which has a capacity of 1,443, serves the whole of the Merseyside. .Courts catchment area.One of the scheduled hearings hit by the delay was the murder trial of Ryan Wooley, who was shot after he bought food from a Wavertree takeaway in August 2007.

Peter Agatha, 36, who denies the killing, was due to appear in the dock along with Tyrone Griffiths, 31, and Jason Thomas, 38.

Constructed in 1855, Walton covers some 22 acres and has a single capped security wall. There are eight wings, all of which are in use having been refurbished.

Walton was named as the worst prison in the country for positive drug tests in a dossier released last July.

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It's got a great Social Club too - beer is cheap! Used to go there when I lived in the Nurses home at Walton Hospital We'd go there first then to the hospital Social Club for more alcohol and a boogie

Getting back on topic though, I still say it should be 23 hrs in your cell - 15 mins for shower and 15 mins per meal. Make it a real punishment!

Liverpool prison guard in crack cocaine and firearms bust



A PRISON guard was arrested after police seized bullets and crack cocaine.

The find sparked a security alert at HMP Liverpool yesterday.

And it led to a massive search of the prison for further ammunition.

Today the 42-year-old Walton prison officer, currently suspended from duty, was being questioned by detectives.

After Thursday night's raid on the guard’s home, prisoners were prevented from leaving the jail for court appearances as search teams moved in.

The lockdown meant several trials involving defendants listed at Liverpool crown court were delayed.

It is believed mobile phone Sim cards were also found in the officer’s home.

He was arrested following a tip-off earlier that day while working at the prison.

Prison bosses decided to run a restricted regime during the search, although inmates still received meals and necessary medical treatment.

Court escorts and social visits were back to normal by lunchtime.

Walton was named as the worst prison in the country for positive drug tests in a dossier released last July.

A Merseyside police spokesman said: “We can confirm a 42-year-old man was arrested at HMP Liverpool on Thursday April 23, on suspicion of taking unauthorised articles into a prison and possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.

“A subsequent search of his home address led to the seizure of a quantity of ammunition.”

Built in 1855, Walton covers some 22 acres and has a single capped security wall.

There are eight wings, all of which are in use having been refurbished.

The prison can house up to 1,443 inmates.

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Walton prison guard charged with possession of ammunition




POLICE have charged a prison officer with possessing bullets.

James Taylor, 42, of Taylforth Close, Walton, a prison officer at HMP Liverpool, was charged with possession of “Section 1”, or lethal, ammunition after being arrested at the jail.

His home was raided by police on Thursday night and the prison was searched on Friday morning.

Prisoners were prevented from leaving for court appearances causing several trials to be delayed.

Taylor will appear before Liverpool City Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, May 13.

THE ECHO

Hohoho....

Lol



Seems police officers aren`t the only ones who cannot be trusted these days!



This guys giving away ammunition willy nilly he may as well be a child killer the way things are going on! (shootings etc)
No doubt the ammunition will be traded for cigs/drugs and somehow reach some kiddies body in the local area