Silverwater jail governor Tracey Mannix convicted of inmate assault during prison strike
A prison boss will lodge an appeal against her sentence for assaulting an inmate after a magistrate rejected her claim of self-defence.
NSW
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A HIGHLY-respected jail governor faces the end of her career after being convicted of assault for grabbing an “aggressive” inmate around the neck in Sydney’s busiest jail.
Veteran Corrective Services officer Tracey Margaret Mannix argued she acted in self defence when she got a hold of the inmate during an industrial strike that caused mayhem at a Silverwater prison in April last year.
But a magistrate on Friday found Mannix, who previously had a blemish free record, “lost her temper” and should be convicted for assaulting a “vulnerable” inmate.
The former Dawn de Loas prison governor wiped away tears as she was sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order in Burwood Local Court on Friday after her lawyer unsuccessfully asked for no conviction in a bid to save her job.
On April 13 last year, Ms Mannix and three other senior prison officers were forced to look after 515 inmates at the prison when the rest of the guards were off on strike.
The lack of guards meant prisoners were locked in their cells and family and friends visits were cancelled. As a result the inmates weren’t happy, with corrections officer Benjamin Williamson telling the court the prisoners caused mayhem.
Several inmates — known as sweepers — were let out of their cells to help the guards deliver lunch meals to cells.
One of those inmates was convicted fraudster Adam Riley, who was directed twice by one of the guards not to speak with the other inmates while handing out the lunches. Officers were concerned he could pass on contraband.
After the second direction, Mannix walked towards Riley and said “oi mate, come here”, the court heard.
Mannix gave evidence that Riley was “argumentative and somewhat hostile” and responded by asking “what the f**k do you want?” three times.
She feared she was about to be assaulted, the court heard, when Riley extended one of his arms and stepped forward.
CCTV footage of the confrontation showed Mannix put a hand on Riley’s neck, pushed him against the wall and said “mate you need to calm down just do as your told”.
The inmate wasn’t injured but following a lengthy investigation, Mannix was charged with common assault and suspended from her job.
Mannix’s lawyer suggested the complaint was made by a disgruntled fellow guard.
Magistrate Margaret McGlynn rejected the submission that Mannix acted in self-defence and said there was no attempt to “de escalate” the situation.
“I’m satisfied she simply lost her patience, became angry and lashed out at the (inmate),” she said.
The court gallery was packed with Mannix’s supporters, including a former jail governor, her mother and a prison chaplain.
Defence barrister Stephen Russell asked the magistrate not to place a conviction on Mannix’s record because there was some prospect she could keep her job.
“It would be very said … for the community to lose a person who is so highly trained and highly respected that has made a mistake over a very short period of time in a situation of provocation,” he said.
It is understood Mannix’s lawyers will lodge an appeal in the District Court next week.