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

By Nigel Maxwell

Correctional unrest

Riot at Prince Albert men’s jail results in over $24,000 in damages

May 17, 2023 | 2:00 PM

A riot at the Prince Albert Correctional Centre on New Year’s Eve resulted in over $24,000 in damages.

That’s according to information heard Wednesday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court, as the last of the four inmates charged was sentenced.

Jesse Heathen, 36, from Onion Lake, received 60 days after entering a guilty plea to mischief.

Danny Caisse, Matthew Belly and Tristin Spyglass were sentenced earlier this year and also each received 60 day sentences.

According to facts read in court by Crown Prosecutor Gail Douglas, correctional staff were attempting lock up in unit four and the four men refused. They then proceeded to throw food at staff, smash windows and wreck tables, chairs and sprinklers.

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Around 10 p.m., correctional staff were able to regain control. A source who previously spoke to paNOW on the condition of anonymity, explained the unit, which houses gang members, was cleared out.

The ministry of corrections confirmed two staff members and one inmate sustained injuries that required medical attention.

Heathen, who told his lawyer he was the first to surrender, was hit in the head with a baton and required stitches for a small gash near his eyebrow.

Following the incident, all four men were transferred to the Regina Correctional Centre.

The incident on New Year’s Eve occurred almost two years after a similar type event. The incident on Jan. 4, 2021, required the assistance of both the Prince Albert Police Service and the Prince Albert Fire Department, and resulted in over $500,000 in damages.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell