Wellington Correctional Centre: Mathew Brendan Wellings granted conditional bail after allegedly raping woman in his care

A prison officer was supported by his wife in a regional court as he was granted conditional bail on allegations he raped an inmate on multiple occasions. Here’s the latest.

Mathew Wellings has been charged with raping a woman in his care at Wellington Correctional Centre. (File picture)

A married corrective services officer in the state’s central west has been granted bail on allegations he raped an inmate over a two-month period.

Mathew Brendan Wellings, who was supported by his wife in court, allegedly carried out at least three sexual offences on the woman at Wellington Correctional Centre, around 50km south of Dubbo.

The 36-year-old was arrested on Thursday when he arrived at work following an investigation by the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and had remained in custody until the success of his release application in Dubbo Local Court on Friday.

He has since been suspended from work.

Wellings has been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault with a victim under the authority of the offender and one count of engaging in a relationship with an inmate.

Married prison officer Mathew Wellings was granted conditional bail. Picture: Supplied

Police claim Wellings and the woman had been involved in consensual sexual activity previously, but when that romance ended, he allegedly carried out the sex offences on her.

Wellings’ defence solicitor Stephen Russell told the court via audiovisual link his client would defend the charges.

Mr Russell said his client had an “absence of a criminal record” and had “strong community ties”.

He also described the matter as an “oath against oath case” and “not strong” in terms of a prosecution case.

The defendant will return to court in October. Photo: Jedd Manning/Western Aerial Productions

Police prosecutor Sgt Kopke opposed the release application as Wellings was “likely to receive a custodial sentence” if found guilty.

He said the defendant has abused his “position of authority” and took “advantage” of the inmate on at least four occasions.

Magistrate Stephen Barlow said the “charges are serious” and Wellings could face a lengthy sentence behind bars if found guilty.

He accepted there was “some consent” between both parties.

Mr Barlow granted bail with conditions including Wellings remain in NSW, not to enter any correctional centre or speak with any colleagues and report to Dubbo police station daily.

Someone on his behalf is also required to forfeit $2000 as a surety.

This publication reported Wellings was previously a poster boy for his workplace, appearing on a NSW Government and Department of Corrective Services flyer in 2019 celebrating “National Corrections Day”.

Wellings will return to court on October 3.