Advertisement

Prisoners charged for filming rap video whilst behind bars

HMP Birmingham Credit: PA

Two prisoners who appeared in a rap video filmed within Birmingham prison have been charged with making a sound recording in jail.

It's thought to be the first prosecution of its kind.

Demehl Thomas and Moysha Shepherd are accused of using a mobile phone, illegally smuggled into the Winson Green facility, to film the video which shows them boasting about drug dealing and violent assaults on rival gang members.

Thomas, previously of Vernolds Croft in Highgate and Shepherd from Hampstead Road in Handsworth, have been charged with making a sound recording without authorisation at some stage between 1-16 August this year.

The pair will appear via video link at Birmingham Magistrates Court tomorrow.

"There is no security issue in this case…rather an allegation of two inmates brazenly defying prison rules to show-off and give the impression they are still calling the shots behind bars.

– West Midlands Police Detective Inspector Nick Dale

"While these men have already been stripped of their prison privileges I am delighted that West Midlands Police have also brought charges and they now face additional time behind bars."

– G4S Director for HMP Birmingham, Pete Small