Townsville prison officer punched in head ‘several times’, undergoing medical treatment

A custodial correctional officer is receiving medical treatment after being punched in the side of the head several times at the Townsville Correctional Centre.

A custodial correctional officer is receiving medical treatment after being punched in the side of the head several times at the Townsville Correctional Centre.

In a statement, Queensland Corrective Services said a prisoner was being escorted to the detention unit when he became “non-compliant” and threw a number of punches at officers, striking one in the side of the head several times.

“The prisoner was restrained by officers using force and was escorted to the Detention Unit,” the statement read.

“The officer was taken to the medical centre and has received further medical treatment for abrasions and bruising.”

The incident happened about 4.10pm on Wednesday. The Corrective Services Investigation unit is investigating.

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“Prisoners who assault officers may face additional criminal charges and further prison time,” the statement read.

“They are also subject to internal disciplinary processes, including loss of privileges.”

New legislation passed by parliament in July increased the maximum penalty for serious assault on a corrective services officer with aggravating circumstances in line with assaulting a police officer and other frontline service officers.

Originally published as Townsville prison officer punched in head ‘several times’, undergoing medical treatment