Prisoner ‘Really Enjoyed’ Riot

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30829, 14 August 1965, Page 16

Prisoner ‘Really Enjoyed’ Riot

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, Aug. 13. Ross Noel Smith, aged 18, a workman, told police he “really enjoyed” taking part in last month’s riot in Auckland gaol, Mr W. J. Meade. S.M., was told today. Smith, the first prisoner to appear in court after the riot, was convicted on three

charges—one of arson and two of wilful damage. He pleaded guilty to wilfully setting fire to bedding and furniture and wilfully damaging an electric food warmer worth £245 and a light switch and conduit worth £2, all belonging to the New Zealand Government. He was remanded in custody to August 20 for a probation report and sentence. Sergeant G. W. Herbert said Smith was released from his cell by another prisoner about 2.30 a.m. on July 20. A large fire was burning in the prison's central dome. Smith threw burning pieces of wood into cells, setting fire to the contents. More than 20 cells were gutted during the riot, but it had not been possible to find how many Smith was responsible for, Sergeant Herbert said. It cost £55 to furnish and equip a cell. Leaving the cell block. Smith ripped a heavy metal light switch and its conduit away from the wall, then joined other prisoners in the main yard, where he helped to wreck and set fire to more prison property. He went into the prison kitchen, where other inmates were wrecking machines used for warming prisoners' food He helped to wrench one of the machines from its stand and smash it to the floor. This machine could he repaired at a cost of £55. Smith admitted he spent most of the time between his release from his cell and his surrender at 8 a.m. on July 121 smashing furniture and windows, Sergeant Herbert said. He and other prisoners made a fruitless attempt to smash an iron grille with a heavy lawnmower-roller. He later told police he had “thought it great to be on the loose” and had “really enjoyed” himself. Smith told the Magistrate: [“1 am very ashamed of myself. 1 am sorry it all happened.’”