Prison psychologist choked in terrifying attack at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre

An inmate facing sexual assault charges grabbed a female psychologist and choked her until she lost consciousness in an interview room at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre.

A psychologist was choked and seriously assaulted in a terrifying attack by a prisoner in an interview room at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre on Thursday.

Prison sources told The Courier-Mail the man, who was already facing sexual assault related charges, grabbed the female psychologist from behind as she went to open the door for him and choked her until she lost consciousness.

A spokesman from Queensland Corrective Services confirmed the corrective services officer was injured and taken to hospital.

“The officer, who has been praised for their quick thinking and response during the incident, was transported to hospital as a precautionary measure following the alleged assault and later discharged,” a spokesman said.

“QCS is providing the officer with every possible support, and responding officers have undertaken a debrief and were offered support.”

The prisoner was restrained and moved to a maximum security unit.

“The matter was referred to the Chief Inspectorate from an officer safety perspective, and the Corrective Services Investigation Unit for investigation and consideration of criminal charges.”