Eighteen inmates accused of rioting at a prison will go on trial next year.

They were charged with prison mutiny after an attempted takeover of a wing at HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey on December 3 last year.

Doors, windows, walls and CCTV cameras at the category B prison were destroyed during the riot.

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Specially-trained Tornado riot squads were called in to regain control.

The charge alleges “engaging in conduct intended to further a common purpose of overthrowing lawful authority” and damaging property.

The accused, aged between 23 and 46, will be separated into three separate trials at Maidstone Crown Court.

The first is expected to start on March 25 and last up to six weeks.

Camera footage from the prison was said to be central to the prosecution case.

Not guilty pleas were entered to the charges when 15 of the men appeared in court via TV links with various prisons on Friday.

Three others refused to appear and not guilty pleas were entered on their behalf by their barristers.

Judge Charles Macdonald QC said a further case management hearing be held on September 17.

Facing trial are Gavin Aina, 40, of Morley Road, Oldbury, Birmingham, Johnathan Atanda, 26, of North Drive, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Kenny Garcia, 23, Marcus McIntosh, 25, Mohammed Mohammed, 26, and Louis Quatre, 23, also of no fixed address.

The remaining 12 accused, also of no fixed address, are Paul Hayes, 46, Owen Lane, 24, Samuel Simon, 25, John Woodfield, 24, Jamal Ferguson, 27, Malki Ferguson, 26, Colin Weeding, 28, Brian Decktor, 30, Jamal Green, 24, Daniel Allen, 32, Michael Latham, 39, and Marcus Moore, 34.

All 18 are currently in custody.