SIX inmates are accused of playing a part in a large-scale disturbance at a top security prison in the region.

Five of the six appeared at a Durham Crown Court plea hearing, via video link from different prisons round the country, to where they have since been transferred.

They all stand accused of violent disorder, on a landing at Frankland Prison, Durham, on January 26, last year.

Judge Ray Singh said, based on cctv footage from different angles on the landing, they are variously said to have thrown punches, or threatened violence, in a disturbance which began with an inmate being attacked as he was on the phone, during an association period, at 4.20pm.

The judge asked them to put in pleas to the charge, accepting they have not, yet, been able to view the cctv footage of the incident.

Two of the six, Bilcan Bilkaner, 23, and Stephen Agera, 30, pleaded guilty, the latter on the basis he threw a single punch.

Each of the remaining four, Stephen Lansana, 28, Casey Jones, 26, Mantell Stephens, 24, and 22-year-old Adam Chabour, deny the charge.

The latter refused to leave his cell at Long Lartin Prison, in Worcestershire, to appear via video link for the hearing, but the court was told he has indicated a not guilty plea through his instructing solicitor.

A provisional trial date was set for August 22, next year, but Judge Singh adjourned the hearing for a further case management hearing, on December 1, when he said “credit”, by way of sentence reduction, would remain on offer, should any of the four in denial wish to change their plea.

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