Timothy John Brooks, Benjamine James Squires, Maxwell John Cain and Warren James Tighe are accused of robbing and attacking a fellow inmate of five cigarettes during a mid-morning incident in May.

Each of the men are charged with aggravated robbery, demand property by force in company with intent to steal, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in the company of others.

According to court documents, the four men allegedly robbed the inmate of the cigarettes and “used corporal violence” on the victim to inflict actual bodily harm and “deprive (the victim) of his liberty”.

The incident unfolded inside the Tamworth Correctional Centre about 9am on May 29 and police were notified, triggering an official investigation.

The men were charged a day after the attack by investigators, who served court attendance notices at the correctional centre.

Last week, the accused, some of whom have been transferred to other correctional centres since the incident, appeared in Tamworth Local Court to answer the charges, but were not required to enter any pleas.

DPP solicitor Fiona Irwin said she had been in contact with solicitors for all of the accused and there were discussions ongoing.

“There are some negotiations afoot and we’re hoping to resolve the matter on the next occasion,” she said.

The Leader understands the victim has been moved to another correctional centre since the incident.

Magistrate Michael Holmes granted the joint applications for more time and adjourned all four cases to August.

“The matter has gone over to enable further consultation,” he told Squires, who appeared via videolink from the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre.

None of the four men made an application for bail.

Smoking will be banned in all NSW jails from August 10.