Arabic version: توجيه تهمة إلى نزيل على خلفية اعتداء مزعوم على حارس سجن

According to ABC News, New South Wales prison officers walked off the job after an inmate accused of assaulting a colleague was released from custody before later being charged. The alleged attack occurred at John Moroney Correctional Centre near Windsor, and the officer was hospitalised.

NSW Police said a 55-year-old corrections officer was allegedly attacked by a 21-year-old inmate on July 25. The Public Services Association of NSW said the officer suffered a broken eye socket, a broken nose and missing teeth. The union supplied an image it said showed the officer’s injuries.

Police said the 21-year-old man was arrested at a home on Lloyd Street in Blacktown about 11am on Tuesday. He was taken to Blacktown police station and charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a law enforcement officer. He was refused bail and was due to appear at Blacktown Local Court on Tuesday.

PSA general secretary Stewart Little said union members were “livid” over the case. Before the charge was laid, he said prisoners had been locked down in their cells and trucks were bringing prisoners involved in court proceedings back to prison.

A Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman said the alleged assault remained under NSW Police investigation and decisions on charges were matters for police. She said the 24-hour walk-out had been referred to the Industrial Relations Commission, while correctional centres remained secure and essential services and care continued for inmates. She also said the agency was supporting the injured officer.