AN INMATE has denied threatening to kill a prison officer and his family.

Keith Pringle is alleged to have threatened to kill the officer, his wife and children during a "dirty protest" at Frankland Prison, near Durham, on September 10.

Pringle, 33, formerly of Thirlmere Road, Darlington, pleaded not guilty at Durham Crown Court yesterday.

The hearing was adjourned for a trial to take place later in the year.