Teen kept in cell with no mattress, but conditions improving: report

A teenage prisoner was kept in a cell without a mattress or any personal items under an unsanctioned “hostile management regime” at the Risdon Prison Complex, a report has found.

Risdon Prison. Picture: Chris Kidd

A teenage prisoner was kept in a cell without a mattress or any personal items under an unsanctioned “hostile management regime” at the Risdon Prison Complex.

The Office of Custodial Inspector’s Annual report said the young person was housed in the Tamar maximum security unit

“The teenager spoke about having their mattress taken away from them for days and only having two canvas blankets,” it said.

“There were no personal items allowed in the cell.

“They said they had to lie face down on the ground with their hands behind their back before their cell door was opened.”

The report said the Tasmania Prison Service said the Hostile Management Regime was contrary to its policies and procedures and had been stopped after it was raised by the Custodial Inspector.

Greens disability services spokeswoman Cecily Rosol said the closures were a devastating blow to Tasmanians living with disability. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Greens MP Cecily Rosol said the revelation was concerning.

“We’re glad to hear the TPS have said this practice will stop, but the fact it happened in the first place is cause for deep concern,” she said.

“There are real questions about how this could happen in the first place given it was never authorised and runs contrary to prison service policy and procedure.”

Custodial Inspector Richard Connock said he was pleased to have seen overall improvements in prisons during his time in the role.

“Whilst recommendations to address issues like lead in drinking water have been addressed quickly, others have required significant government investment – an example being the increase in mental health staff required to service the needs of people in custody,” he said. “Many of the changes implemented as a result of my office’s recommendations would not have occurred without my inspection team being in places of detention speaking to people in custody, staff and various stakeholders, and reporting publicly on our findings.

“As I approach retirement, I am confident that the role and value of the Custodial Inspector has become well established.

“An independent body shining a light into closed places is critical to build trust that the human rights of people deprived of their liberty are upheld, and when they aren’t, that there is accountability and action to address any failings.”

Custodial inspector Richard Connock gives evidence at a Legislative Council inquiry into Tasmanian adult imprisonment and youth detention.

Mr Connock’s report noted that the new youth detention site at Pontville is close to a commercial medicinal marijuana farm.

“We have observed on drives past the site that the smell of marijuana can be quite strong,” it said

“Hopefully this does not have any deleterious impact on young people in custody.”

Originally published as Teen kept in cell with no mattress, but conditions improving: report