PRISONERS who posted photographs and a video of themselves smiling and laughing in prison could get time added to their sentences – after they were caught updating their social media profiles for the second time in five weeks.

The men, many of whom are thought to be from the Bradford district, brazenly posed for pictures in their cells at HMP Doncaster and, even after the Telegraph & Argus reported in October how they had breached prison rules by owning a mobile phone and using social media, have seemingly continued to update their Facebook profiles.

The situation was branded “an absolute farce” by one local MP, who demanded the Prison Service get a grip.

In November the T&A reported how those involved in the original incidents had been “disciplined” for their behaviour, but they have since added videos and further photographs showing themselves posing outside their cells to a growing portfolio documenting prison life.

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Some of the comments on their public profiles suggest they were proud of their publicity, while one video, which pans around a cell, reveals a TV, games console, a stash of food and a full wardrobe packed with designer tracksuits. Two men are shown playing pool and dancing to music blasting in the background.

One of the comments found alongside a post reads: “You lot will be in the paper again.”

To which one of the prisoners replies: “That’s the aim mate.”

Another man, believed to be another one of the prisoners in the photographs, adds: “Loving it...”

Jerry Spencer, Contract Director at Serco, which runs HMP Doncaster, outlined the steps being taken at the prison to stop any more mobile phones from being smuggled into the site.

He said: “We are working extremely hard to stop the illegal use of mobile phones.

“It is a problem faced in all prisons and we have recently installed a new body scanner to help find phones that people are trying to smuggle in.

“The phone used in this incident has been found and confiscated and the individuals concerned have been referred to the Independent Adjudicator who has the power to add up to 42 days to a prisoner’s sentence.”

The images were originally brought to the T&A’s attention by a constituent of Shipley MP Philip Davies, who described the latest incident as a “kick in the teeth” to victims of crime.

“People are sent to prison to be punished and this is an absolute farce,” said Mr Davies. “The governor and Prison Service need to get a grip.

“I have argued for a long time that prison is too soft and this proves the point.

“We have got to wonder what on earth the Prison Service is doing. These people should have privileges taken away from them and given they know these people are using mobile phones in prison, they should be searched on a regular basis. What sort of a regime is this?”

Mr Davies said the photographs and video sent out the wrong message to victims of crime and made prison look welcoming to criminals.

He added: “They will have access to a gym and all sorts. The message it sends out is that there is no deterrent to committing a crime, and it’s not good enough. It’s a kick in the teeth to victims of crime.

“People expect prison to be a punishment and that’s why it was introduced to the courts in the first place. Anyone reading this will wonder what is going on.”

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), is working on a project which ensures victims of crime feel safe and satisfied with the justice system.

He said: “I am a real advocate for putting victims at the heart of the criminal justice system and ensuring they receive a service which meets expectations at both ends of the spectrum.

“As I commission Victim Support across West Yorkshire, I am keen to see that their experiences remain positive and that the police alongside partner agencies continue to work closely together to achieve this.

“In scenarios where this does not happen, it is important that the approaches are examined to understand what more can be done to leave our communities safe and feeling safe, including any inappropriate activities emanating from prisons or elsewhere.

“Victim Support offer help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police. Their services are free, confidential and available to anyone in England and Wales. For more information call 0300 303 1971, or visit victimsupport.org.uk and then connect to West Yorkshire.”