Prince Albert Correctional Centre. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Correctional unrest

Charges laid following disturbance at Prince Albert men’s jail on New Year’s Eve

Jan 18, 2023 | 11:16 AM

Multiple inmates have now been charged in connection to what’s been referred to as disturbance at the Prince Albert Correctional Centre on New Year’s Eve.

Matthew Belly, Danny Caisse, Jesse Heathen and Trystin Spyglass have all been charged with mischief, with the allegation they caused damage to property not exceeding $5,000.

As per discussions heard in court Wednesday morning, the incident happened in Unit #4. All four accused appeared by video, and had their matters adjourned to Jan. 23 to be spoken to. All four were also on remand at the time of the incident and had pending court dates on other matters.

In a previous statement provided for paNOW, the Ministry of Correction, Policing and Public Safety confirmed the disturbance was brought to an end at approximately 10 p.m. There were no reports of any injuries.

While no specific details about what happened have been shared by the ministry or the union representing correctional officers, a source close to the incident disclosed to paNOW inmates smashed windows, lit fires and in general caused a lot of damage.

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In addition to the police investigation, the ministry is also conducting its own investigation and will release the findings at a later date.

The incident occurred almost two years after a similar type event. On Jan. 4, 2021, both the Prince Albert Police Service and the Prince Albert Fire Department responded to the men’s jail, and the cost in damages was over $500,000

In addition to breaching the staff office in the range, the inmates broke the windows in the cells to the outside as well, and lit fires which rose in the ventilation system.

While no one was transported to hospital by ambulance, paNOW was informed at least one staff member was injured after the glass shattered in her face. Five inmates were later charged.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell