A PRISONER accused of taking part in a large-scale disturbance when prison officers were pelted with pool balls was cleared yesterday.

Dean Temple, 23, from Hartlepool, was found not guilty of violent disorder on the direction of Judge David Bryant.

Sixty prisoners were involved in the disturbance at Holme House jail, in Stockton, Teesside, in which two officers were injured, Teesside Crown Court was told.

It was sparked off after Shane Taylor, 22, was not allowed to exercise in the gym because it was full, said Jamie Bill, prosecuting.

The court was told Mr Taylor went back to his cell and banged on the door shouting obscenities at an officer, Colin Brown, who denied him access to the gym.

Mr Taylor, of Cummings Square, Wingate, County Durham, has pleaded not guilty to wounding Mr Brown with intent to do him grievous bodily harm on July 18 last year, and actual bodily harm assault on another officer, Alan Colledge.

He and Robert Foley, 23, of Church Street, Seaham and Mr Temple, of Midlothian Road, Hartlepool, also denied a charge of violent disorder. The case continues.