Prison Service director general Martin Narey

The son of the head of the Prison Service - a student at York University - has been charged with assaulting a police officer.

James Martin Narey, the son of Prison Service director general Martin Narey, could be jailed if he is found guilty of attacking an acting police sergeant in York in the early hours of Tuesday.

The 18-year-old, who is also charged with disorderly behaviour, was in the Piccadilly area with a group of friends when the alleged assault took place.

The case against him was adjourned for three weeks at a hearing before magistrates in York yesterday.

Mr Narey, of the university's Langwith College, did not attend the hearing and magistrates granted him unconditional bail.

If found guilty, he could be sent to jail, given a community penalty or fined.

Today a Prison Service spokeswoman said: "This is a private matter and Mr Narey has no wish to comment."

Mr Narey's father was behind the introduction of a fast-track system where people charged with offences should appear in court the next day.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said: "When we got the initial file we asked police to make further inquiries and it was obvious they wouldn't have completed those by the time he was due to appear in court.

"The hearing would automatically be adjourned and so there was no need for him to be there."

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