Townsville prison officer charged over sexual assault months after QCS gave him slap on wrist

A prison guard has been charged with sexually assaulting a co-worker, just months after his employer gave him a slap on the wrist over the alleged incident.

A PRISON guard has been charged with sexually assaulting a co-worker, just months after his employer gave him a slap on the wrist over the alleged incident.

The 41-year-old officer at Townsville Correctional Centre was charged on Wednesday after a swift investigation by Townsville Criminal Investigation Branch.

It comes just months after the Townsville Bulletin revealed Queensland Corrective Services did not discipline the man beyond “managerial guidance” after an internal investigation.

Police will allege the Kirwan man slapped a female co-worker’s bottom while they were both working at the Stuart jail on February 4 this year.

The 34-year-old woman reported the incident to her superiors at work, and an internal Queensland Corrective Services investigation was launched by Ethical Standards Commission.

The investigation was completed a few months later, and the man was given “managerial guidance”.

prison photos

Queensland Corrective Services said “consideration is being given to the management of the matter”.

“Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) is aware that an officer informed the management of Townsville Correctional Complex of a criminal charge, as is required under QCS policies,” a statement said.

“The officer is not currently attending the workplace while these matters are being considered.

“As the matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Sources say the man was given separate work duties to the complainant throughout the course of the investigation but their paths still crossed at work on a number of occasions.

Townsville Correctional Centre. Picture: Alix Sweeney

The crossover was raised by supervisors to senior staff, but they were advised the man could not be denied certain shifts.

A QCS spokesman said in July the man had since been redeployed at the correctional centre and was given “managerial guidance”.

“Both officers involved have been provided with support and guidance of management and have been encouraged to speak with confidential counselling and support services,” the spokesman said at the time.

The woman took her complaints to police in August and they started a criminal investigation.

The man, who legally cannot be named yet, was charged with one count of sexual assault on Wednesday.

He will face court on October 12.

Originally published as Townsville prison officer charged over sexual assault months after QCS gave him slap on wrist