Inmate allegedly attacked prison guard on way back to cell
Fresh details of a brutal jail bashing have emerged after a prison guard at the maximumsecurity Barwon Prison was rushed to hospital on Friday.
News Corp has been told three prison officers were walking an inmate back to his cell without handcuffs when he turned on them about 12.10pm.
He allegedly began punching and kicking the three officers, with one suffering serious facial injuries and a broken bone in his lower body.
Staff then deployed teargas on the inmate before it also affected the other prison officers in the struggle.
The prisoner had not been co-operating with prison staff during a routine video call before he allegedly launched his attack inside the Olearia unit.
Victoria Police confirmed the alleged assault.
“It is understood a man was assaulted at a correctional centre on Bacchus Marsh Rd about 12.10pm,” a statement read. “The 45-year-old man was taken to hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.”
A Justice Department spokeswoman said the inmate potentially faced an extra stint behind bars if convicted of the alleged attack.
“Staff responded to an incident at Barwon Prison yesterday afternoon,” she said. “The matter was quickly resolved, however, one prison officer received treatment at hospital.
“We take all violence very seriously and refer all allegations of criminal activity and serious incidents to Victoria Police for investigation.
“Any prisoner responsible for injuring a prison officer faces significant consequences, including extra time in prison.”
Sources say there have been two new recruits within the Olearia unit but are unsure of their involvement.
The source said prison staff had been left fuming by the alleged attack and want the inmate shifted from their unit.
Friday’s skirmish adds to a long list of prison bashings at Barwon in recent times. Three convicted murderers were among inmates to have been charged with assaulting guards at Barwon in recent months.