Matthew James Massey is one of five former and current detainees to be charged over the violence at one of the centre's yards on January 5, 2009.

The 34-year-old is accused of punching two male corrections officers and pushing a female officer to the ground.

He has pleaded not guilty of three charges of common assault and three of obstructing a territory official during the fracas.

The ACT Magistrates Court heard yesterday there was tension at the overcrowded lock-up before trouble broke out in F yard, leaving officers injured and detainees facing charges.

Prosecutors alleged Massey, supported by several fellow detainees, invaded the officers' station and assaulted three corrections officers after a dispute arose over boxing equipment.

But lawyer for the defendant Andrew Herring said Massey was assaulted by guards after insults flew in the yard on the hot afternoon.

Massey's hearing continues today.

For more on this story, see the print edition of today's Canberra Times.