Jamie Saliba: Rebels bikie jailed over Parklea cell fire

A colourful bikie has found himself behind bars yet again after he set fire to his cell over being refused a phone call to his son for his birthday.

A high-ranking bikie who vowed to leave his criminal life behind has been hit with more jail time after setting his cell on fire.

Jamie Saliba, 31, formerly of Schofields, was jailed for up to 15 months after he caused significant damage to his jail cell after setting it alight in 2019.

Saliba pleaded guilty to damaging property by fire and a further charge of possessing a mobile phone in custody and was sentenced at Blacktown Local Court on Monday.

Jamie Saliba is a known member of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. Picture: Supplied

The court heard Saliba was being held at Parklea jail awaiting sentence for a dangerous police chase and gun charges when the fire took place in September 2019.

Court papers revealed prison staff noticed smoke and flames coming from Saliba’s cell just after midday on September 26, prompting staff to extinguish the blaze.

When asked what triggered his actions, Saliba said he was frustrated after being refused a phone call for his son’s birthday.

“I asked for one thing. I asked for a phone call for my son’s birthday,” Saliba said.

“If they said no, I probably would have copped it. They said yes then they opened the door and slammed it in my face.”

The Rebels bikie caused $5000 damage to the cell and was placed in segregation over alleged threats to Corrective Services staff, the court heard. He has not been charged in relation to the alleged threats.

Parklea Correctional Centre.

He was also charged after he was found using a mobile phone in his cell while on remand at Silverwater jail in February 2020.

Magistrate Anthony Spence noted Saliba’s lengthy criminal history, which included a prior conviction for possessing a mobile phone in jail.

“The mobile phone matter is the second of its kind. You should’ve really had more sense but I can understand your reason for a mobile phone but it is contraband,” Magistrate Spence said.

“The magnitude of the damage caused by the fire, but it is not the worst example of its kind seen in these courts.

“I wish you luck when you get out, but for God’s sake behave yourself for once in your life.”

Rebels bikie Jamie Saliba has been given further jail time over setting his jail cell on fire in 2019. Picture: Supplied

The court heard Saliba had been released on parole in October last year after he was jailed for a maximum of three years after leading police on a dangerous chase while being armed with a gun through Dean Park and Glendenning in early 2019.

He was arrested earlier this month and his parole was revoked over an alleged domestic violence assault in St Marys.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charge and will face court for a hearing in August.