'No suggestion' prisoner 'dropped' from balcony – Corrections

  • 23/07/2015
The Corrections Department says it's waiting for a response from Serco about the incident (Caitlin Smith / 3 News)
The Corrections Department says it's waiting for a response from Serco about the incident (Caitlin Smith / 3 News)

By 3 News online staff

Details of the assault on a prisoner at Mt Eden Corrections Facility have been released by the Corrections Department and suggests the inmate wasn't "dropped".

In a break from normal routine and because of the "current high public interest" in the case, chief executive Ray Smith has released some key findings from its report into an assault.

Mr Smith confirmed an incident happened where a prisoner was injured after falling from a landing in a cell block at the Serco-run prison in Mt Eden and suffered fractures to his left ankle and right leg.

However, an investigation by the chief inspector found he fell "as a result of being chased by another offender who then physically assaulted the prisoner".

"There was no suggestion made in the report of any practice of 'dropping'."

The prisoner was treated in hospital and later returned to prison.

The fall was witnessed by a prison officer, but the Inspectorate's report found no evidence staff were aware the inmate's welfare was at risk prior to the injuries.

"The Inspectorate is satisfied that the unit was appropriately staffed on the day of the assault and that prison management dealt with the incident in a manner that was deemed appropriate at the time," Mr Smith says.

Corrections was told of the incident within the required 24-hour period to advise them of a serious accident following an assault.

Mr Smith says while the Inspectorate's report has been completed, Corrections is still waiting for a response from Serco.

Serco executives have met with Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga for a regular meeting, and the minister will express his disappointment in the number of revelations and rumours of inappropriate behaviour happening at the remand prison.

Two reviews are currently underway into videos emerging of 'fight clubs', drinking and drug-taking inside prison cells.

3 News