Jesse Pel charged over for Capricornia Correctional Centre riot

A Mackay man involved in the 16-hour siege at a Rockhampton prison last year has faced court on a riot charge. Find out what happens next.

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

A Bakers Creek man allegedly involved in an explosive riot at a Rockhampton prison has been charged for his part in the carnage.

Jesse Pel was one of 64 people allegedly involved in the 16 hour uproar at Capricornia Correctional Centre on October 21, 2021.

Recent reports revealed on August 3, 2022, that the damage inflicted by the lengthy riot was about $1.1 million.

It is alleged inmates were increasingly frustrated over understaffing, causing a lack of out-of-cell time and visiting hours.

Tensions allegedly boiled over at 9am when an inmate threw an item at a correctional officer.

It is alleged inmates caused general destruction and even broke into a garden shed to make petrol Molotov cocktails, as correctional officers used shotguns, pepper spray, foggers and grenades to control the riot.

It is alleged officers cornered the inmates who had climbed onto the roof of the activities building with the last group surrendering at 2.30am.

Mr Pel’s exact involvement is not yet known.

He faces 15 other serious charges unrelated to the riot that allegedly happened subsequent to his release.

These include deprivation of liberty, choking, assault occasioning bodily harm, all three as domestic violence offences, stealing and dangerous operation of a vehicle.

He has been remanded in custody for that offending since August 8, 2022.

Mr Pel’s matters will return to Mackay Courthouse on November 28.