'Slapped for spice': how synthetic cannabis is wreaking havoc behind bars

Sam Johnson is schizophrenic, in prison, and now dependent on synthetic cannabis. As inmates like him contend with violence and debt, and overdoses spiral, observers are warning that the system is facing a drugs crisis

The Johnson family used to think nothing could shock them. Then they received a short video on Snapchat of 38-year-old Sam Johnson being beaten up by fellow inmates at Guys Marsh prison, Dorset.

Johnson, who is serving a 32-month sentence for robbery, is schizophrenic and has learning disabilities. He is also a drug addict. After his latest stint in jail, it would appear he is now dependent on synthetic cannabis, a family of legal highs that are wreaking havoc in Britain's jails. Sold under dozens of brand names, synthetic cannabis is known generically as Spice, after an early market leader.