A JAIL has been hit by three days of mayhem that saw more than 30 cells smashed by inmates.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused as 32 cells were wrecked by youths causing havoc, it has been revealed.

The trail of destruction at Castington Young Offenders' Institution, in Northumberland, which takes inmates from throughout the region, has prompted renewed calls for a change in the law. Prison staff are furious at new measures brought in which, they say, makes youngsters feel they are above the law.

The recently introduced Detention and Training Orders removes the right of prison governors to add extra days to sentences for misbehaviour.

The only punishments that can be imposed now are the withdrawal of prison privileges, such as use of the canteen, and spending money, for the youths, who are all under 18.

Kevin Dawson, chairman of the Prison Officers Association at Castington, said: "It hasn't been a major problem in recent years, but with this age group they have nothing to lose.

"They never need any reason to do it - they just wind each other up. It will only stop when the legislation is changed."

The first incident, on October 1, saw four cells left wrecked, and a further 12 were smashed up on October 10.

The latest incident happened two weeks ago, on October 23, when another 16 cells were devastated in a night of escalating violence.

The evening began with the first cell being smashed up at 5.40pm. It was followed by two more at 6pm and another 13 fell prey between 8.20pm and 11pm. Inside each room the locker and table were smashed, along with the toilet and sink.

The vandalism caused huge losses of water and floods on the landings.

Details of the incidents were revealed over the weekend, and confirmed yesterday by a spokesman for the Prison Service.