Clarence Correctional Centre: Second inmate dies in two months at private prison

A second inmate, who was just 29, has died in a matter of weeks at a privately run correctional centre on the state’s north coast. See the latest here.

The state’s private prison system has been rocked by yet another death overnight — after reports a fresh custody at Clarence Correctional Centre, run by Serco Group, died on Monday afternoon.

Sources close to the situation said it was understood the man was found unresponsive in a medical bay.

“It is not believed there are any suspicious circumstances at this stage,” the source said. “The man, who is believed to be of african decent is understood to have suffered a seizure.

“I understand the man had only been in custody for a very short time before his death.”

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A Serco Group Spokeswoman told NewsLocal a 29-year-old inmate died at the centre on Monday.

“The man was found unresponsive in a medical holding room by staff around 1.30pm and was pronounced deceased by paramedics shortly after,” she said. “Serco, Corrective Services NSW and NSW Police are investigating the incident.

The high security sections of Clarence Correctional Centre, Grafton. Photo: Tim Jarrett

“All deaths in custody are subject to a coronial inquest — Serco extends its condolences to the family and friends of the man.”

The death comes just weeks after a man died after being found unresponsive in his cell at the privately-run correctional centre, with an investigation underway by NSW Police and Corrective Services NSW.

Opposition spokesman Tara Moriarty called for the Custodial Services inspector to conduct an urgent review of Clarence Correctional Centre.

“This is the second death in two months,” she said. “There needs to be an indepth investigation into workings of this facility.

“This man was found in the medical holding room, so there are serious concerns as to how this can happen.”