Prisoner Robert Kinneir jailed for hostage incident at HMP Peterborough
Judge extends sentence by over nine years after four-hour standoff
Last updated 22nd May 2026
A prisoner who held a fellow inmate hostage at HMP Peterborough has been sentenced to an additional nine years and five months in prison.
Robert Kinneir, 45, who is currently serving at HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, locked a fellow inmate in a cell at around 11am on the 28th February 2023.
He used an improvised weapon to threaten the victim and announced the situation over the prison’s intercom, warning officers of his intentions if they intervened.
Prison authorities engaged negotiators to defuse the situation, which included Kinneir starting fires in the cell and further threats to the hostage.
After about four hours, a specialist team successfully managed to resolve the situation without injury.
Kinneir claimed his actions were due to a lack of support and medication for his mental health issues.
As a result, the victim has experienced psychological trauma from the ordeal.
On 21st May at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, Kinneir had his sentence extended after pleading guilty to false imprisonment.
Judge Paul Brooks concluded that Kinneir presented a "significant risk of causing serious harm to members of the public."
DC Kevin Poole, who investigated the incident, commented on Kinneir's reckless behaviour and the lasting trauma left on the victim.
The original offences for which Kinneir was convicted include stalking and possession of class B drugs in November 2022.