Jaiden Douglas Hargrave pleads guilty to role in Capricornia prison riots

A Mackay father turned prisoner armed himself with a soft drink can and rocks and threatened a guard when riots exploded through the Rockhampton prison causing $1.2m in damage.

Jaiden Hargrave received a 15-month suspended jail term for his role in the Capricornia Correctional Centre riot in 2021.

A Mackay father turned prisoner armed himself with a soft drink can and rocks and threatened guards during the Rockhampton prison riots that caused $1.2m in damage to the facility.

Jaiden Douglas Hargrave, who was an inmate at Capricornia Correctional centre, was “not an instigator or leader of the riot”, but he was a willing participant.

It is considered one of the biggest riot incidents in the prison’s history involving more than 120 inmates, with more than 60 charged.

It began about 9am on October 21, 2021 when maximum-security inmates were told to return to their cells as the staff were having a union meeting.

Extensive damage as a result of the 16-hour riots at Capricornia Correctional Centre.

But they had only been out of their cells for three hours and refused to go back in.

Mackay District Court heard Hargrave was “broken out of (his) cell or unit by persons who are unknown by unknown means” and the following was a 16-hour riot.

“You armed yourself … made threats and attempted violence towards correctional staff … threatening a guard while armed with a soft drink can, steel and rocks,” Judge Michael Burnett said.

Jaiden Douglas Hargrave pleaded guilty to riot or mutiny.

Hargrave also damaged items “by putting them in a fire”. It was unknown who lit the fire.

The court heard the riot had been described as “tumultuous, dangerous” and causing significant damage totalling about $1.2m.

Hargrave, 29, pleaded guilty to riot or mutiny, carries a maximum penalty of 10 years jail.

His nine-page criminal history includes entries for drug trafficking and attempted robbery.

Still scenes at the Capricornia Correctional Centre on Friday as the prison remains in lockdown for the clean up and investigation of the 16-hour long riot the day before.

Defence barrister Scott McLennan said his client was currently on parole and subject to 9pm to 5am curfew, which he was complying with, and had returned negative results for meth, amphetamines and marijuana drug tests.

The court heard while on remand following the riot Hargrave completed “the highest intensity drug course while in custody”.

The riot occurred on the day of his parole eligibility.

Damaged caused to the Capricornia Correctional Centre during the October 2021 riots.

“He was ultimately denied on two occasions parole by the parole board,” Mr McLennan said.

“All up he did one year, nine months and 20 days of a two-year sentence … nearly 90 per cent.

“Since the riot he served 16 and a half months in prison”.

Judge Burnett warned Hargrave if he continued with his offending behaviour he would spend longer and longer in jail, but ultimately agreed with Mr McLennan to give him a suspended sentence.

Hargrave was jailed for 15 months with immediate release. Convictions were recorded.