A prisoner is facing the rest of his life behind bars after admitting the murder of a fellow inmate at a Sheppey prison.

Jason Gomez, 45, was warned by a judge at Maidstone Crown Court that he was considering imposing a whole life tariff in respect of the killing of 46-year-old Darren Flynn at HMP Swaleside on March 25.

Gomez, of no fixed address, was due to stand trial this week but pleaded guilty to murder when he appeared in the dock today.

Also in the dock was co-defendant Paul Wadkin, 33, who denies the same charge. The pair were flanked by five prison and dock officers.

Mr Flynn suffered fatal stab wounds during the attack at the category B jail in Brabazon Road, Eastchurch.

Adjourning the sentencing hearing in respect of Gomez, Judge Philip Statman said imposing a whole life tariff was "utmost in mind".

Earlier this year, European human rights judges upheld the right of British courts to impose such sentences in the most heinous cases of murder.

Whole life terms are currently being served by more than 50 of Britain’s most notorious criminals, including Moors murderer Ian Brady, Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe and serial killer Rosemary West.

Their release can be ordered by the justice secretary but only in the most exceptional circumstances.

Gomez was remanded in custody until the end of Wadkin's trial, which is expected to start tomorrow and last up to two weeks.