Teens' 'play fight' turned into 'a five-hour uproar' at prison

FIVE young criminals have found themselves in court again for their roles in a five-hour prison riot.

- Sentinel Reporter

William Leishman, 22, Kyle Nicholls, 20, Scott McDonald, 21, Truman Williams, 21, and Brandon Price, 20, were all locked up Werrington Young Offenders' Institution when they became embroiled in the violence.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard how the five defendants - all teenagers at the time - became 'unruly' when attending an art workshop in February 2022. What began as a play fight between 'ringleader' Leishman and Nicholls soon evolved into 'a five-hour uproar'.

Two teachers remained trapped inside the classroom for 90 minutes as the teenagers brandished weapons, threw equipment and hurled abuse.

The group of offenders have committed over 60 offences between them, for crimes such as robbery, drink driving and battery.

One of the youngest offenders - Brandon Price - has since been sentenced to life in prison for murder. He will remain in prison until at least 2043.