EXCLUSIVE

Adult prisoners are to be detained at Rochester Young Offenders'
Institute within weeks, the Medway Messenger can reveal.

The move could result in criminals serving life sentences being
accommodated.

The institute, which has been used for inmates aged 18 to 21 for
almost a decade, will begin holding adults from this summer.

HMP Rochester, in Fort Road, expanded in 2008 with another four
cell blocks, sparking riots and division between offenders.

The new wing, which can hold 300 inmates, is already being used
for about 100 offenders aged over 21 who have 'graduated' from the
youth section.

Now 200 more men are to be moved to the prison over the next few
months, with guards having already undergone training in how to
deal with adult prisoners.

The institution will remain category C - meaning inmates
are unlikely to attempt escape.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "For operational reasons
Rochester Prison will soon accommodate adult male prisoners in
addition to the young offenders already being held at the site.
This change will allow us to make better use of available spaces
across the estate improving both efficiency and operational
flexibility."

It has not yet been decided if the site will eventually become
an all-adult prison.

Mark Reckless MP, who is on the Home Affairs Select Committee,
said: "The most important thing is that we have a secure prison
with accommodation that reflects the number of prisoners being
dealt with by the courts."

Vikki Viles led an anti-expansion campaign when plans to
increase capacity at HMP Rochester emerged in 2007.

But Mrs Viles, of Sir Evelyn Road, said she did not think the
latest move to bring adults to the site would cause residents
problems unless the prison's category was changed - leading to
brighter security lights.

Last August, a report revealed the revamp of HMP Rochester
caused outbreaks of violence.

The Independent Monitoring Board said the old site's facilities
were poor in comparison to the new wing, where prisoners had their
own showers or shared them with one other inmate.

In the old blocks, one shower is shared between 12 to 18. The
IMB said differences created tension among inmates and planned
violent incidents between the old and new wing inmates.

It also criticised the institution on a series of issues,
including education, hygiene facilities and lack of activities.