Grafton inmate allegedly tried to reach for officer’s gun

An inmate was on a medical escort with correctives staff at Grafton Base Hospital when he allegedly tried to grab an officer’s firearm.

An inmate from Clarence Correctional Centre allegedly tried to reach for an officer’s gun while on a medical escort at Grafton Base Hospital. Picture: Tim Jarrett

Charges are expected to be laid against an inmate after an incident at Grafton Base Hospital.

A spokeswoman for Serco Australia – which runs Clarence Correctional Centre – said the situation which unfolded at the facility last week was being jointly investigated by authorities.

“Serco, Corrective Services NSW and NSW Police are investigating after an incident with an inmate at Grafton Base Hospital on Thursday, December 9,” she said.

“The alleged incident occurred around 9pm when the inmate (allegedly) attempted to reach for the officer’s firearm during a medical escort.”

She said the correctives officers “immediately secured and restrained” the inmate in the hospital.

Police then attended the facility.

“The inmate was returned to the correctional centre and has been placed in segregation,” the spokeswoman said.

“He is expected to face internal charges.

“Investigations are ongoing.”

She said the officers involved had been offered support and counselling.

Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Wayne Jones said his staff were also working with police and Corrective Services in response to the incident.

Mr Jones said the event “thankfully did not result in any staff or patients being harmed”.

“The patient had been transported to hospital for medical assessment and was being treated within the emergency department under the observation of correctional officers,” Mr Jones said.

“Patients and staff were provided with welfare support at the time of the incident, and additional follow-up support has also been arranged.”

Mr Jones said there had not been a notable increase in the number of inmates being taken to the hospital for treatment from the nearby prison.

“Data shows that the monthly average number of presentations to Grafton Base Hospital emergency department from the Correctional Centre and inpatient admissions is similar to the previous 12 months,” he said.

“While we expected to see some growth in inpatient activity (due to Covid), the vast majority of inmate health care is delivered within the correctional setting.”