Men accused of assaulting prisoner custody officers in “melee” following verdicts in trial at Norwich Crown Court
Tevin Birmingham (left) and Warren Ricardo Blake (right).� PIC: Norfolk Police. - Credit: Archant
Two men allegedly attacked seven prisoner custody officers as part of a 'melee' which followed verdicts in a trial they were involved in, a court has heard.
Tevin Birmingham. PICTURE: Norfolk Police. - Credit: Archant
Tevin Birmingham, 22, and Warren Ricardo Blake, 19, are said to have had a 'kick off' following verdicts returned by a jury at Norwich Crown Court following a trial.
Norwich Magistrates Court has heard both defendants were taken back to the cells area but 'refused' to go in before it kicked off and a 'melee' resulted in which some custody officers were assaulted and others 'put in fear of their own personal safety'.
Birmingham, of HMP Whitemoor, Cambridgeshire, and Blake, of HM Prison and Remand Centre, Chelmsford, have gone on trial having both denied seven counts of assault on June 30 last year.
Giving evidence, one of the custody officers said both defendants were 'stressed' and 'agitated' following the verdicts.
Warren Ricardo Blake. PICTURE: Norfolk Police - Credit: Archant
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The officer, who was with Birmingham, said there had been a bit of a 'commotion' involving the other defendant - Blake - who was shouting that he wanted his handcuffs off.
He tried to usher Birmingham into his cell but the defendant refused to enter and then moved 'right back'.
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Despite being spoken to by other officers Birmingham moved even further back before there was a 'kick off' with the prisoner 'flailing' his arms and limbs in 'violent outrage'.
He said a colleague directly in front of him was among those struck as they attempted to restrain Birmingham before Blake then came running around.
Norwich Magistrates Court. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2016
Afame Offiah, for Birmingham, suggested the officer had seen his client 'not allowing himself' to be man-handled into his cell.
The officer replied: 'No, he was lashing out.'
Another custody officer described sustaining an injury to his arm after Blake allegedly tried to bite him as the officer attempted to restrain him.
Giving evidence, he said Blake had 'charged through' him and another officer. He added Blake also punched his colleague two or three times in 'rapid succession' on his back.
Birmingham was in court for the trial but Blake was not as he refused to leave his cell. Magistrates ruled the case should go ahead in his absence. The trial continues.
