Prison damage charges

Auckland: Seventeen inmates charged with causing major damage at Waikeria Prison last month have appeared in court.

The men are each charged with rioting, riotously destroying property, burglary using a weapon, and wilfully setting fire to property and endangering life.

One of the men appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday, and the other 16 appeared in the Hamilton District Court.

The accused appeared in court separately via video link before Community Magistrate Ngaire Mascelle.

All have been remanded in custody to reappear later this month

While one pleaded not guilty, the others did not make a plea.

Ten of them have interim name suppression. Those that can be named are: Matangirau Cuff, Siaumau LoteTelea, Taimana Soames, Parata Taite, Peter Te Hau, Leon Huritu and Ian Larkins.