Family to sue prison

Sister demands justice for brother who was bashed to death

THE family of a Victorian jailhouse murder victim has briefed lawyers on legal action against the prison operator.

Mark Pollard was bashed and stomped to death inside the privately run Port Phillip Prison this month.

His sister Amanda said relatives were looking to sue G4S for failing in its duty of care and want an independent review of the jail.

The family believes the prison authorities should have realised Pollard was severely injured hours before they got him medical attention.

It is believed a gang of thugs attacked him for his ring and sneakers, possibly to use as currency to buy drugs.

Pollard was buried at Fawkner Cemetery last week in a small service attended by family and friends from his school days at St Bede’s College.

“Mark was a tortured soul but never a violent criminal,” Amanda Pollard said.

“Just because he has horn tattoos and was in prison … he still deserves justice.”

His death came after a catalogue of incidents at the Truganina jail.

They include an escape attempt last August, two cell fires in October, the stabbing of a staff member last month and a roof invasion.

A recently released prisoner, who had been serving a short sentence, has told how violent inmates extorted $75,000 from him.

He said he was given names and account numbers to make dozens of deposits, via a contact on the outside.

The inmate, who is in a wheelchair, said: “It’s hard to believe this sort of stuff can go on in this day and age. What they did, I’ll never forget.”