Convicted killers among prisoners who brawled at Welsh jail during art classes

Convicted killers were among the prisoners involved in a mass brawl between two rival groups who broke out of art classes. They overpowered their art teachers to get hold of keys, before one of the inmates stabbed one of the rival group with a self made shank. Shakeil Malcolm-Erskine, 20, Callum Charles-Qubella, 21, Kye Williams, 20, Aaron Adom, 21, Richie Kalosi, 21, and Kenton Knight, 21, were all serving inmates at a young offenders' institute at HMP Parc in Bridgend when violent disorder broke out in the prison. A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard the defendants were split up between the Echo one wing and Golf one wing, and were prevented from mixing because of previous and violent confrontations between them. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter . On the morning of February 10, 2023, the two groups attended separate art classes at the prison, but there was antagonistic behaviour between the two groups who could see each other through windows. Prosecutor Jenney Yeo said Kalosi and Rakeem Thomas were let out of their respective classrooms and were supposed to return to their separate wings, but they both went to the prison library. At this point, the defendants in the Echo one wing art class overpowered the teacher and took her keys before forcing the door open into the communal area. Charles-Qubella used a home made weapon to attack Rakeem Thomas, and used it to stab at him and inflict facial wounds. In reaction to this, the defendants in the Golf one wing overpowered their teachers for the keys and opened the door. What took place was described as "violent and chaotic" with the defendants hitting and kicking out at each other as prison officers attempted to subdue them. In her sentencing remarks, the Recorder of Cardiff Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke said: "Staff were outnumbered, overwhelmed and struggling to regain control." During the melee, prison officers were assaulted with the defendants punching, kicking and throwing each other to the floor. One officer was struck to the head with a prison radio, and another officer was punched to the nose and stamped on. The defendants also spat at each other and at prison officers, some of whom suffered lacerations and bite marks Eventually, additional officers arrived to help and the prisoners were returned to their cells. In victim personal statements read to the court by Ms Yeo, art teacher Alison Frost said she has been unable to sleep due to her reliving the incident and has undergone counselling and medication. She was also injured while trying to break up the fight and may need an operation. The second art teacher, Sarah Thomas, said the incident had "completely changed her life". She was unable to sleep, lost confidence and took six months off of work. Adom was convicted of violent disorder. The court heard he has a previous conviction for murder, conspiracy to kidnap, false imprisonment, blackmail and theft. In mitigation, it was said Adom was just 14-years-old when he committed murder and there was an element of "grooming". The defendant was said to have a "great deal of remorse" for his behaviour. Charles-Qubella was convicted of violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker. The court heard he has a previous conviction for manslaughter. In mitigation, Charles-Qubella was said to be a "different young man" to who he was at the time of the brawl and he was only 17 when the offence took place. Kalosi was convicted of violent disorder and three counts of assaulting an emergency worker. The court heard he has previous convictions for manslaughter, possessing an offensive weapon, assaulting an emergency worker, affray, robbery, and possession of a bladed article. In mitigation, it was said Kalosi was "sorry" for his actions and is a "different man". He has a six-year-old daughter who he has contact with. Malcolm-Erskine was convicted of violent disorder. The court heard he has previous convictions for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, burglary, battery, assaulting emergency workers, robbery and possession of a bladed article. In mitigation, it was said Malcolm-Erskine was "not the instigator" and became involved towards the end of the brawl. He had a "difficult start to life" and was placed into care at the age of 12. Williams was convicted of violent disorder. The court heard he has previous convictions for battery, possession of an offensive weapon, causing grievous bodily harm, and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. In mitigation, it was said Williams has since been released from prison and works five to six days a week as a labourer. Knight was convicted of violent disorder. The court heard he has previous convictions for battery, possession of a bladed article, threatening a person with an offensive weapon, resisting arrest, assaulting an emergency worker, possession with intent to supply cannabis, racially aggravated assault, going equipped for burglary, and causing grievous bodily harm. In mitigation, it was said Knight was released from prison two years ago and has "changed his life dramatically", now acting as a carer for his grandfather. Sentencing, Judge Lloyd-Clarke said: "Those who use violence in custody, particularly towards those who work in custodial institutions, people must understand there will be consequences." Adom was sentenced to one year and four months imprisonment. Charles-Qubella was sentenced to two years and three months imprisonment. Kalosi was sentenced to one year and 10 months imprisonment. Malcolm-Erskine was sentenced to one year and six months imprisonment. Williams was sentenced to one year and two months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Knight was sentenced to one years and four months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice .