Prison officer attackers ‘don’t face prosecution’
Inmate not charged for knifing warder
AN inmate who violently assaulted a warder was not prosecuted despite admitting to the attack, it has emerged. Ahead of the Prison Officers Association conference in Galway today, president Stephen Delaney said members are at extra risk due to poor staffing levels. He added: “To add insult to the injuries inflicted on our officers there is no penalty for the prisoners involved. “It is now the case that staff who have been seriously assaulted and report their assault to the relevant authorities, cannot get a conviction in spite of a wealth of available evidence. “In one significant case there was even an admission of guilt from the prisoner yet no conviction.” Mr Delaney explained the officer was stabbed in the Midlands Prison in 2015. He said: “Many staff present were not asked for a report and in spite of the prisoner admitting to the assault in front of a Governor the DPP ruled a prosecution could not proceed due to lack of evidence. “In a similar incident in the same prison an officer was assaulted which can clearly be seen on a CCTV camera. However, as another CCTV – that wouldn’t have shown anything any different – hadn’t been saved the prisoner walked on a technicality.” Mr Delaney warned the service is facing a staffing crisis which exacerbates the level of risk for both officers and inmates. He added: “There are simply not enough prison officers to do what we are required to do. All of us are aware retirements this year will exceed recruitment – this is not sustainable and creates an ongoing additional risk for staff and prisoners. “The issue of violence in prisons regrettably continues, with a number of very serious incidents involving assaults on prison staff in the past year. “Mandatory sentencing, as raised by the gardai earlier this week, is undoubtedly needed as one of the responses to assaults on our members while carrying out their duties.” Meanwhile, General Secretary John Clinton wants all officers to be allowed to carry batons. And he is calling on the Government to restore 2008 pay levels.