Darwin's prison capacity a 'critical situation'

A number of Darwin lawyers have labelled the increase in the Territory's prison capacity a "critical situation", claiming prisoners have had to drag mattresses into the reception area and medical wing to counteract the overflowing numbers.

They're untenable reports from inside the prison and Darwin lawyers want it exposed and fixed.

Criminal Lawyer Matthew Hubber raised the concern in Darwin Local Court, telling the judge, his client, among other inmates, were having to drag mattresses into common areas to sleep.

"The complaints are becoming more frequent," he said.

"Something needs to be done. The prison is full. Resources are at an all-time low."

The president of NT Criminal Lawyers Association, Marty Aust, added to the alleged flow-on effects.

"Programs can't run because there's too many people in the facility," he said.

"Even food. We're hearing that there is less food available."

Over the past 20 years, the yearly incarceration average, for adults across all four Territory prisons, has more than tripled.

From 543 prisoners in 1997, swelling to 1788 – the average recorded yesterday.

But the government says it was March 11, 2018 that the Territory recorded its highest capacity of 1844 prisoners.

It's the Darwin Correctional Centre that is causing the biggest headache.

"We have seen a spike, an increase, in numbers at the Darwin Correctional Facility," Attorney General Natasha Fyles said.

"So, we have transferred some people to Alice Springs."

Corrections has brought-in extra mattresses to cater for the overflow.

But, the Attorney General says some prisoners actually prefer to move their bedding into other areas, such as the veranda.

"Prisoners crave that air flow so they will move their bedding around," she added.

"It is still secure, they are still behind bars."

This has added to the push by these lawyers for something to be done.

"We've got to get rid of mandatory sentencing, we've got to change bail presumptions, we have to look at other rehabilitative alternatives to detention," Mr Aust said.