Corrections apologises over attack on remand prisoner

Corrections has formally apologised to a former remand prisoner over a beating that left him with a traumatic brain injury and a massive hole in the side of his head.

Benjamin Lightbody was hit with a pool ball in 2013, in a gym yard at Mt Eden Corrections Facility, operated by Serco under contract from the Department of

Corrections. Seven years later, Corrections has finally apologised, telling Lightbody he ‘‘received a very serious head injury which has led to you suffering ongoing health issues and brain damage’’.

In a letter dated last month, Lynette Cave, Corrections’ northern regional commissioner, said ‘‘Serco and Corrections accept that the level of care you received immediately following the assault was inadequate and a breach of your rights under . . . the Bill of Rights Act. You should have been attended to with more urgency and with more care.’’

But Lightbody has told Stuff the apology is ‘‘insulting, degrading, disgraceful and disappointing’’.

CCTV footage shows the moment Lightbody is struck, and then how nobody comes to his aid.

The prisoner who made the hit on Lightbody, Witeri Neketai, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm, and sentenced to more than three years’ imprisonment.

Corrections’ apology says it’s clear the assault has had a significant impact on Lightbody’s life.

‘‘I would like to formally apologise to you for the injury you sustained, and for the level of medical attention you received following the assault,’’ said Cave. ‘‘We should have done better.’’

Asked by Stuff what financial compensation Lightbody has received, Corrections said only that it and Serco ‘‘provided a formal apology and financial settlement to Mr Lightbody’’. It would not say how much.

Lightbody also would not comment on compensation, other than to say it was a ‘‘pitiful amount’’.