Waikeria prisoners’ Christmas Eve homebrew booze-up lands them in solitary

Inmates at Waikeria Prison have been charged with misconduct for brewing their own alcohol. Photo / Brett Phibbs

• Twelve Waikeria Prison inmates were caught with homemade liquor on Christmas Eve.
• Ten are in solitary confinement, while two have been moved to other prisons.
• All face misconduct charges, with the unit now operating normally after a temporary lockdown.

A dozen Kiwi prisoners caught having a lively homebrew booze-up for the festive season are to spend the rest of Christmas in solitary cells.

The 12 inmates in Waikeria Prison, south of Hamilton, were found to have consumed homemade liquor on Christmas Eve, prison general manager Jim Watson said.

Ten of the prisoners have since been placed in segregation and two have been moved to other prisons, Watson said.

All 12 will be charged with misconduct.

“There were no injuries to staff or prisoners, and the unit is now operating normally after being temporarily locked down to deal with the incident,” Watson said.

He said the prisoners’ behaviour was unacceptable.

“Contraband is not tolerated in prison and we will continue to carry out regular searches.”

The prison said homebrew can be made using rotting fruit, water, sugar and a plastic bag.

While guards restrict the amount of fruit prisoners can purchase, many will often go to significant lengths in a bid to stockpile it, the prison said.

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