Man dies at Grafton’s Clarence Correctional Centre after being found unresponsive

A man has died after being found unresponsive in his cell at a Northern NSW correctional centre, with an investigation underway by NSW Police and management at the privately-run facility.

A man has died after being found unresponsive in his cell at the Clarence Correctional Centre in Grafton, with Corrective Services sources confirming this was the centre’s first death in custody.

A spokeswoman for the operators of the jail, Serco, declined to say if the man was Indigenous, but extended condolences to the family and friends of the yet-to-be identified inmate.

She said the man was found unresponsive in his cell by staff around 12.05pm and pronounced dead at 12.38pm on Saturday, April 30.

Serco, Corrective Services NSW and NSW Police are investigating, with a coronial inquest required for all deaths in custody.

A correctional source said Clarence Correctional Centre could be considered one of the most “dangerous facilities in the state”, suggesting severe understaffing and resources available to officers.

“No matter the cause of death, questions will be raised by Corrective Services NSW and government monitors should be sent in immediately to assess the situation on the ground,” the source said. “Serco will face a significant fine for an (unnatural) death in custody, as this is a breach of their contract with the NSW Government.”

The high security section of Clarence Correctional Centre, Grafton. Photo: Tim Jarrett

The source said there was no suggestion of the death being related to Covid at this time, but said CSNSW would be able to “get a clearer understanding” once department monitors reported back from the centre.

Sources could not confirm whether the inmate was at the 1700-bed facility as part of a fresh custody.

Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District confirm they were called to the correctional facility in response to the reported death of a 41-year-old man.

A Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman said the department employs monitors at all private prisons in NSW as mandated by the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act.

“CSNSW custodial staff are rostered at Clarence Correctional Centre every day to monitor the centre operations,” she said.

An investigation has begun and a report will be prepared for the information of the NSW Coroner.