Goulburn Correctional Centre: 30-year-old male inmate attempts escape

A 30-year-old man is before the courts again for attempting to escape minimum-security at Goulburn Correctional Centre, with staff being praised for their quick-thinking. Find out what happened.

A 30-year-old man is before the courts again for attempting to escape minimum-security at Goulburn Correctional Centre, with staff being praised for their quick-thinking.

At about 9am on Friday, Zac Black was among a group of inmates being escorted to a complex outside the main prison when he made a run for it.

He reportedly ran across an exercise oval and climbed over a minimum-security boundary fence.

The minimum security wings at Goulburn Correctional Centre where the 30-year-old male inmate, Zac Black, was held before he attempted to escape.

However his escape attempt was short-lived, with two officers using an RTV utility vehicle to catch up to the man about 200 metres from the centre on Wilmot Street.

Black was detained by the officers until Security Operation Operation staff arrived to handcuff him and release him into NSW Police custody.

He was refused bail for attempting to escape lawful custody at Goulburn Local Court on Friday and will appear via audiovisual link for mention at the same court on July 6.

Goulburn Correctional Centre Governor Faith Slatcher commended staff for their instant action.

“The officers involved did a fantastic job, radioing for back-up to ensure the remaining group of inmates were secured while additional officers responded in pursuit,” Ms Slatcher said.

“Our staff are highly trained and skilled in responding to these incidents, which is demonstrated by their ability to intercept the inmate just 200m from the perimeter fence.

“Congratulations to everyone involved; you’re a credit to both your profession and the community.”

Officers were able to chase down the Goulburn inmate escapee, who managed to get 200 metres outside of the centre.

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Kevin Corcoran PSM also praised staff for their vigilance, while acknowledging minimum-security inmates have more opportunities to abscond than others.

“Inmates are classified to minimum-security facilities as part of their progression out of custody, which affords them more autonomy in a lower security environment,” Mr Corcoran said.

“We take any escape extremely seriously so well done to staff, who swiftly took control of the situation and apprehended the man.”

By attempting to escape a correctional centre, Black is now reclassified to an ‘escape category’, which prevents him from being held in minimum security facilities in the future.