A Tasmanian inmate who trapped another prisoner in a communal bathroom and threatened him with sexual assault has been sentenced to 12 months in jail – but won’t spend any extra time behind bars.
Ricky John Izard, 34, pleaded guilty to indecent assault over the incident at Risdon Prison in July 2022, which saw him corner his victim for nearly 15 minutes while heavily intoxicated on prison-made alcohol.
The Supreme Court heard Izard was already serving a long sentence for manslaughter when he targeted the man, who had only been in the medium-security unit for three days.
Acting Justice David Porter said the incident began when Izard, who had consumed large amounts of “prison brew”, repeatedly told the victim to “wait for tonight” before forcing him into the bathroom after lockdown.
Once inside, Izard blocked the exit, made sexual threats and demands and became more aggressive when the man refused. When the victim began crying, Izard escalated his threats, claiming he was “in here for murder”.
Justice Porter said Izard then physically forced the victim’s head towards his exposed genitals, making more threats while the victim’s face was about 20 centimetres away.
Other inmates tried to intervene but were mostly ineffective. Two who entered the bathroom did nothing to help. The ordeal ended when the victim managed to shove past Izard and flee to his cell, where he used the intercom to call for help.
Guards later found the victim “emotionally distressed and crying” and removed Izard from the unit after reviewing CCTV footage.
Izard had originally been charged with rape but accepted a plea deal for the lesser charge of indecent assault.
A psychologist told the court Izard’s behaviour was driven more by a need to intimidate than by sexual motivation, linked to frustration over what he saw as the victim’s untidiness.
Justice Porter said the incident was a clear case of unacceptable prison violence that would have been “a very frightening experience”.
“This was sexualised violence by one prisoner against another prisoner,” he said. “Inmate violence and intimidation should not be tolerated.”
“[The victim] was confronted with a very drunken man with an apparent violent past who manhandled him into a particular location, had hold of him and was threatening him to perform oral sex.”
The judge ruled Izard’s sentence would run concurrently with his existing term, citing “exceptional circumstances” including that he had already served 16 months beyond his parole eligibility date due to the unresolved charge.
Sexual assault support services:
Sexual Assault Support Service Tasmania: 1800 697 877
1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
Sexual Assault Counselling Australia: 1800 211 028
Bravehearts: 1800 272 831
