Inmate Nabbed with Deadly DIY Weapon Gets Extra Jail Time
Steven Bangs, 37, has been slapped with an extra three years behind bars after being caught with a homemade weapon at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, 4 February.
Improvised Pen Nail Weapon Found in Cell
Bangs, already serving the tail end of an eight-month sentence for possession of an offensive weapon, was nabbed with a deadly improvised weapon. He’d sharpened a nail and hidden it inside a pen casing. The sharp makeshift item was discovered in December 2019, leading to his immediate arrest and fresh charges.
Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Prison Violence
Detective Constable Alex Furniss from the Met’s Prison Intelligence Unit said: “Bangs had just one day left in prison when he was found with a dangerous weapon in his cell. He must now face the consequences of his actions and spend further time behind bars.”
He added: “We are committed to targeting those who carry weapons and are working closely with the prison service to remove these dangerous items from jails.”
Prison Service Vows Zero Tolerance on Weapons
Trish Mitchell, Serco Prison Director at HMP Thameside, said: “We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police to prevent criminal activity in the prison and we are pleased at the result of this case.”
She emphasised: “We have a zero tolerance approach to weapons of any kind in the prison and we will always take appropriate action when we find any.”
