A fight between two sentenced prisoners left one stumbling onto his knees while clutching his face from being cut after both men agreed to fight without using blades, a court has heard.
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Alexander Maconochie Centre inmate Isaac John Gordon fronted the ACT Supreme Court on Monday when he initially pleaded not guilty to intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm and was set to stand trial.
However, midway during the day, he indicated he would plead guilty, but to recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm after negotiations between the prosecution and defence.
Prior to the change, Crown prosecutor Marcus Dyason in his opening statement outlined what was to be the Crown's case.
Mr Dyason said the incident happened about 9am on December 5 in 2019 when both Gordon and the complainant, 26-year-old Andrew Fifita, were at different sections of the prison's gym.
Gordon then walked up to Fifita and the two men exchanged words.
They then into a cell where Gordon closed the door.
About 45 seconds later, he ran out while his fellow prisoner stumbled out onto his knees.
Mr Dyason said he anticipated the court would hear evidence about Fifita telling Gordon he did not want blades in the yard before they agreed to have a fight without blades.
"While inside the cell, the accused used a knife-like weapon or a shiv to cut the complainant's face and finger," he alleged.
The prosecutor said when Corrective Services officers arrived, they overheard Gordon saying words to the effect of "I got him" or "I got him good".
He then gave the knife to the officers.
CCTV footage of the gym area and inside the main building was played to the court, showing both men going upstairs to a cell before Gordon closed it as he entered.
It then showed Gordon running out before Fifita came out while on his keens.
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Mr Dyason said the medical report tendered could satisfy the court that the injuries constituted grievous bodily harm.
He said Fifita and other inmates declined to provide statements.
Prior to the change in plea, Fifita appeared via video link to give evidence.
However, he said he was "not going to swear on anything" and replied with "no comment" to giving an affirmation and to numerous prosecution questions.
Chief Justice Helen Murrell directed him to obtain independent legal advice otherwise he may be held in contempt of court.
Fifita will appear in court on Wednesday when Mr Dyason will request that Chief Justice Murrell hold him for contempt.
Earlier in the hearing, fellow inmate Taylem Caldwell, who was in the gym area at the time of the incident, told the court that when Gordon and Fifita went inside the main building towards the cell, the "energy in the wind changed".
"You can tell if something's going on. You can tell when a fight's going to happen," Caldwell said.
Agreed facts related to the guilty plea is likely to be tendered during Gordon's next appearance on Wednesday when he is set to formally plead guilty.
His sentencing is scheduled for October 29 after his lawyer, Sam McLaughlin, requested time to obtain a psychological report.
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