Prisoner charged after inmate found dead in cell at Yatala Labour Prison in Adelaide’s Northfield

Police have charged a man with murder after another man was found dead at a high-security prison in Adelaide over the weekend.

At about 5:35 pm on Saturday police and emergency services rushed to the Yatala Labour Prison, in the Adelaide suburb of Northfield.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, a 52-year-old male inmate died at the scene.

South Australia Police said they arrested a 33-year-old male inmate on Saturday evening, who was subsequently charged with murder.

The man will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Police said that as the death occurred in custody, it will therefore be subject to a mandatory inquest by the state coroner.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said he understood the death happened in a cell located within the prison. 

‘As it stands, we know that Major Crime are investigating this death that on all accounts occurred within a cell where there was more than one prisoner,’ he said. 

Department for Correctional Services chief executive David Brown said the inmates shared a cell.

‘Both the victim and the alleged offender were on remand to appear in court at a future date,’ he said. 

Mr Brown said staff provided first aid to the inmate until paramedics and police arrived at the jail.

‘After the incident, the second prisoner was immediately secured in another area by correctional staff,’ he said. 

South Australia Police said they arrested a 33-year-old male inmate on Saturday evening, who was subsequently charged with murder

‘This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the victim’s family,’ he said.

‘Correctional and nursing staff were confronted with a very difficult situation and support is being provided to those staff involved.’

Yatala Labour Prison is the largest metropolitan corrections facility in South Australia.

Minister for Correctional Services Joe Szakacs praised staff for their quick response.

‘I commend the effort of Department for Correctional Services staff and first responders for their immediate assistance rendered,’ she said.