PRISONERS threatened to riot at Darwin jail after complaining about overcrowding and the quality of food, it was learnt yesterday.Fifteen officers donned full riot gear including arming themselves with large gas pumps as a group of inmates sat down on the ground and refused to go to a routine muster.
The three ringleaders were whisked away to a maximum security block after a tense two-hour stand-off.
One prison source said: "There was no violence in the end but it was touch and go.
"Once a few of them get together you can have a monster.''
The prisoners are believed to have handed a letter of grievance to Darwin prison.
Trouble started at the maximum security B and C blocks on Thursday morning.
Correctional Services director Jens Tolstrup said public safety was never threatened.
"The incident was not a major disturbance,'' he said.
"All the inmates [prisoners] dispersed willingly and voluntarily and without incident.
"There was no lock-down, no violence and the rest of the prison operated as normal.
"The three inmates involved have been moved from the block into other accommodation. This is standard practice for these situations.''
The source said it was "very unusual'' for riot gear to be issued.
He said several of the prisoners had told officers they would "take the blocks out'' a euphemism for a riot.
The source said the prison was overcrowded, adding: "Everybody is hot at this time of the year and tempers fray.''
The source refused to name the ringleaders who are not serving life sentences.
He said they were well-known within the prison system but not outside.
Darwin and Alice Springs prisons each hold about 400 inmates each. Both are nearly full.
By NIGEL ADLAM 29 October 05
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