Ravenhall rioter ringleader jailed for more than three years
A RINGLEADER in the largest prison riot in the state’s history — sparked by a looming smoking ban — has been jailed for more than three years.
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A RINGLEADER in the largest prison riot in the state’s history has been jailed for more than three years.
Brett Dodd, 24, was one of up to 300 men who taunted prison officers and trashed the Metropolitan Remand Centre in Ravenhall on June 30, 2015.
The violent revolt was sparked by a looming smoking ban in prisons.
The County Court heard how Dodd broke legs off furniture to use as makeshift weapons and menaced terrified prison staff as he smashed his way from one unit to another.
At one stage the young father of one was seen handing out tennis racquets to other prisoners, before he armed himself with one and lead the inmates towards prison officers.
They only retreated when tear gas was deployed.
County Court Chief Judge Peter Kidd said CCTV footage of the unrest showed “the sense of complete anarchy”.
He said the damage, estimated to be $12.1 million as of April last year, was “breathtaking”.
Judge Kidd said while Dodd did not plan the riot, he was “often at the forefront" of it.
“Your conduct was prolonged. You attempted to conceal your identity,” Judge Kidd said.
The chief judge said it was “the largest riot in Correction’s history” with fences breached, a tractor used to cause damage, the canteen looted and mattresses set alight.
Prison officers were forced to flee for their safety with some suffering ongoing nightmares, he said.
“It took 15 hours for authorities to restore order,” he said.
Dodd, who was one of 102 men charged over the unrest, pleaded guilty to one charge of riot, which has a maximum penalty of 10 years jail.
Judge Kidd said he had to set a sentence that would deter other would-be offenders, adding that Dodd had a “very poor criminal history” including violence and dishonesty offences.
He convicted Dodd and locked him up for three years and two months jail, with a non-parole period of 22 months.