A 26-year-old man has been sentenced for his "significant role" in a riot that allegedly caused tens of millions of dollars in damage to the Northern Territory's largest prison.
More than 20 prisoners allegedly took part in the disturbance that began when one inmate smashed his way out of his cell on the night of May 13, 2020.
Aaron Hyde was part of a group that then joined him, allegedly breaking into prohibited areas and arming themselves with fire extinguishers, cricket bats, broomsticks, hammers and torches as the unrest unfolded over the course of about four hours.
The prisoners eventually surrendered when they were sprayed with tear gas.
Hyde was subsequently charged with rioting and arson for helping light a fire when a pen laced with dishwashing liquid was jammed into a power outlet, causing about two million dollars worth of damage and rendering the building inoperable.
The Northern Territory Supreme Court heard the disturbance appeared to be spontaneous and Hyde was not liable for other blazes that badly damaged the 1062-bed facility.
However, Chief Justice Michael Grant said the 26-year-old played a "significant role in the riot" and "actively contributed to the general state of anarchy".
"Prison officers were unable to ensure the safety of other prisoners or regain control of the prison for some hours," he said.
"The conduct of your group was highly violent in nature. It was only by sheer good luck that nobody was seriously injured."
Justice Grant said the estimated damage bill reached $20 million, a figure he described as "a breathtaking sum of money and a dreadful waste of public resources".
"More than that, the damage inflicted has reduced the facilities and services available to the prison population, which is a matter of great regret," he said.
The court heard Hyde had lived a troubled life since he stopped taking ADHD medication and began using methamphetamine and marijuana as a teenager.
In 2016, he was jailed for 11 years prison for his role in a methamphetamine-fuelled crime spree that led to the death of his friend.
Two further criminal incidents extended his overall sentence to 2030.
However, Justice Grant noted that any significant extension of his sentence would have a "crushing effect" on Hyde's already "marginal" prospect of rehabilitation.
He was sentenced to three years for arson and two for rioting, with his overall sentence extended by 12 months to September 2031.
Hyde will be eligible for parole in September 2024.
