Dozens of inmates charged over riot at maximum security prison
More than 20 inmates have been charged over a riot that broke out at one of New South Wales’ maximum security prisons earlier this year.
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Police have charged 21 inmates over a riot that broke out at a maximum security facility in New South Wales earlier in the year.
The riot at Cessnock‘s Shortland Correctional Centre broke out just before noon on April 30. Prisoners reportedly locked themselves in their rooms and lit fires on the roof.
Authorities say inmates caused “significant damage” to the correctional facility. However, police were not called on at the time.
A month later officers from Hunter Valley Police District began an investigation into the incident that led to the arrest of 21 men aged between 22 and 39.
Police allege the men threatened Corrective Services NSW staff and damaged several areas of the facility, including the ceiling, doors and roof, along with items inside.
The damage is estimated to be valued at more than $130,000.
Of the men, nine were served a court attendance notice (CAN) at a correctional facility at Goulburn and six were served a CAN at a correctional facility at Cessnock.
Others charged included:
- A 24-year-old man at a correctional facility at Kempsey.
- A 28-year-old man at a correctional facility at Wellington.
- A 33-year-old man at a home in Hamilton South.
- A 32-year-old man at a home in Gosford.
Each of the men will appear at Cessnock Local Court on Thursday.
Meanwhile, a 32-year-old man was arrested at Surry Hills police station. He was refused bail and will appear at Central Local Court on Thursday.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at a home in Tamworth. He was also refused bail and appeared at Tamworth Local Court on July 3 where he was granted conditional bail to next appear in court again in August.
At the time, it was believed COVID-19 restrictions were behind the riot.
In March, visits from family and friends were suspended and a 14-day quarantine period was enforced for all new inmates.
Originally published as Dozens of inmates charged over riot at maximum security prison