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They were in prison for a wide variety of offences. Some had histories of violence or drug offending. One even had a high-ranking position within a gang.

Waikeria Prison. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook The men, who are jointly charged with rioting, burglary using a weapon, and wilfully setting fire to property and endangering life, appeared in the Hamilton District Court today. A major building at the King Country prison, known as the Top Jail was destroyed by fire after inmates took to the roof and held up the facility for six days. Sixteen of the men appeared via video link, while one, who required significant security around him, appeared in person. A small group of supporters made a brief appearance in public gallery to support the man who appeare...

Mascelle asked the defendant again to confirm his date of birth. “With all due respect your honour are you offering me a contract?” “Just for clarity I need to ensure we are talking with the right person”, Mascelle said. Taite refused again, and his audiovisual link was cut off. He was ordered to reappear at February 26 through audiovisual link along with the other 16 facing charges. The 17 men are jointly charged for the incident between 29 December, 2020 and January 3, 2021 at the prison in Ōtorohanga. Dominico Zapata/Stuff Prisoners were seen on the roof of a unit at Waiker...

Seventeen Waikeria Prison inmates appear in court in relation to last month's unrest © RNZ / Dan Cook 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 today, and the other 16 appeared in Hamilton District Court. A major building at the prison, in Northern King Country, was destroyed by fire after inmates took to the roof and hel...