Some alleged prison rioters to plead guilty, avoid being committed to Supreme Court after major delay

SEVERAL alleged participants in a major prison riot at the Darwin Correctional Centre last year are set to finally plead guilty

“A number” of alleged prison rioters are expected to plead guilty in the Local Court. Picture: Che Chorley

• Independent risk assessment revealed infrastructure concerns months before mass breakout
• Alleged prison rioters in solitary since May sue NT government for ‘false imprisonment’ compensation

SEVERAL alleged participants in a major prison riot at the Darwin Correctional Centre last year are set to finally plead guilty after almost nine months of being dragged through the courts.

MORE CRIME & COURT NEWS

Police assistant commissioner Michael Hebb resigns abruptly

Teen charged for allegedly assaulting two indigenous men, posting video online

Police lay fresh charges against alleged Six Tanks brawlers

Lawyers for seven inmates; Bruce Impu, Ernest Mulkatana, Shane Noble, Xavier Nundhirribala, Clinton Price and David Risk, who are charged with their alleged involvement in the riot last May appeared in the Darwin Local Court on Monday.

They each stand charged with a range of offences including escaping lawful confinement and arson.

Prosecutor Rebecca Everitt said “a number” of the alleged rioters are expected to plead guilty in the Local Court, while others will still be handed up to the Supreme Court.

Out of 21 men charged over the riots, the majority are still on remand, with the prosecution repeatedly telling the court they were still awaiting evidence from police and corrections.

HOT NEW DEAL: Read everything for 28 days for just $1

It comes after lawyer for Risk, James Stuchbery, told the court in a previous mention that the patience he and his clients had for the lagging prosecution case had “really worn thin.”

The matters will return to court in the coming weeks.

Follow @MsSarahMatthews