Judge says prison not acceptable
A factor in sentencing
CONDITIONS in Alice Springs prison are so bad a judge has been forced to consider whether an attempted child rapist should receive a shorter sentence.
Supreme Court Justice Dean Mildren, in sentencing, heaped on criticism of the notorious facility, where guards in December used tear gas to force unwilling prisoners back into sweltering cells. AttorneyGeneral Natasha Fyles has denied claims of overcrowding.
CONDITIONS in Alice Springs prison are so “appalling” a judge has been forced to consider whether they should result in an attempted child rapist receiving a shorter jail term.
Supreme Court Justice Dean Mildren, in sentencing proceedings recently, heaped on criticism of the notorious facility, where guards in December used tear gas to force unwilling prisoners back into sweltering cells.
Justice Mildren said: “In brief, the conditions are appalling, overcrowded and without any significant ventilation, more like those commonly found in Third World countries rather than in a country like Australia.”
He said he gave prison conditions “some weight” in sentencing the man to five years and six months in jail for three attempted child rapes dating back to the 1980s.
Up to 16 prisoners share unairconditioned, dorm-style cells at the jail, where outside temperatures this summer have reached up to 47C.
Attorney-General Natasha Fyles said claims of prison overcrowding in Alice Springs were “not correct” because prisoner numbers were below the official “operational capacity” of 680, although the Corrections Commission had until last year been using a different definition of “capacity”.
Among the measures for increasing the capacity of the prison were putting more bunk beds in cells and dorms, Ms Fyles said.
She said she had no concerns about current conditions at Alice Springs affecting prisoners’ prospects for rehabilitation.
Ms Fyles said her department had in recent weeks fixed broken fans, purchased six new fridges, ordered more cool drinks and ice and changed procedures so doors could be left open all day in recent weeks.
Other measures to reduce temperatures are up to a month away.
“I take these matters extremely seriously,” Ms Fyles said.
“I toured the facility in a recent trip to Alice Springs and have spoken at length with the Commissioner about this.”
The union representing prison guards, United Voice, has described conditions in the facility during heatwaves as “inhumane” and said overcrowding and heat both contributed to violence.
After time served, the child sex offender will be eligible for parole in mid-2021.