Nearly two dozen rapists and paedophiles are demanding more than £200,000 for the trauma they faced in a prison blaze.
The men, serving more than 137 years between them, want a minimum £1,000 each despite being evacuated safely from HMP Isle of Wight.
Others are seeking much more. They claim they weren’t protected from an arsonist who started a fire which ripped through two floors in 2015.
Among the 23 suing are Gary Archer, who got 12 years for raping a small girl, Alex Bryan, serving 19 years for attacking a six-year-old and Jeremy Philip Smith jailed for 21 years for raping four women.
The High Court claim has caused outrage.
Harry Fletcher, of the Victims’ Rights Campaign, said: “These men have destroyed the lives of many women and children who often struggle to get compensation.
"This case shows prisoners can get help and support while victims are left to fend for themselves.”
Court papers issued in April state: “The claimants expect to recover damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.”
Firefighters reportedly said the prisoners were lucky to escape alive.
Fifteen of the 87 evacuated were treated for breathing in smoke.
The Government says it was not responsible for the fire and carried out its duty of care.
