Birmingham prisoner first in UK to be charged with possessing weapon behind bars
A Birmingham prisoner faces having his jail term increased - if found guilty - after being charged with possessing an offensive weapon in prison.
It is alleged that the inmate at HMP Birmingham constructed a homemade knife made from pieces of plastic and razor blades.
If convicted John Garrett would be the first inmate in the UK to be charged under a new law designed to clamp down on weapons behind bars.
The 28-year-old convicted robber is set to appear before Birmingham Magistrates on July 6.
It is believed to be the first case of its kind since the Serious Crime Act (2015) came into force last month making it illegal to possess a knife or offensive weapon in prison.
Previously, prison custody officers could confiscate weapons but, as anyone behind bars was not deemed 'in public', police were powerless to charge them with an offence.
West Midlands Police Detective Inspector Nick Dale, said: "We're working with G4S to keep weapons out of prison and keep prisoners and staff safe…this new legislation is a really useful tool and closes a loophole that previously allowed violent inmates to possess weapons without fear of prosecution.
"Anyone now caught with an offensive weapon in prison faces the prospect of having another four years added to their sentence."
G4S Director for HMP Birmingham, Pete Small, added: "This charge sends a powerful message to prisoners who persist in using violence or manufacturing weapons that they face an extended stay behind bars.
"We want a safe environment which helps prisoners to turn away from crime and, while we have always been able to confiscate weapons, this new law allows us to work with the police to pursue serious sanctions in court.
"Many prisoners come to us with a history of violence and we try and change their behaviour through peer mentoring, anger management sessions and the provision of education and purposeful activity. Prisoners' families can help support these efforts by reminding their relatives during visits that their sentence could increase by up to four years if they continue to use violence and refuse to engage with these programmes.
"HMP Birmingham is a city-centre local prison and we regularly share intelligence with the police which keeps prisoners, my staff and the wider community safe. I am grateful to West Midlands Police and prosecutors for their work in this case so far and look forward to further strengthening our partnership."
