Michael Black, Parklea: Two more charged in relation to fatal alleged stabbing of inmate
Two more inmates at Parklea Correctional Centre have been charged in relation to the stabbing death of Berkeley inmate Michael Black inside the prison.
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Police have charged an additional two men over the death of Parklea prisoner Michael Black last month.
Police allege Black, of Berkeley, was fatally stabbed in a common area at Parklea Correctional Centre while waiting to appear via audiovisual link at Wollongong Local Court when he was attacked on April 21.
The 33-year-old was pronounced dead just after 12.30pm, after police allege he was stabbed multiple times by fellow inmate Emmett Raymond Sheard, 28.
The shock incident sent the prison into lockdown and sparked union calls for an end to the private operation.
Sheard, of Newcastle, was charged with murder and possess offensive weapon in a correctional facility last month, after spending two days at Westmead Hospital under police guard.
In the days following, officers from Quakers Hill Police District launched Strike Force Salvana and charged a further two inmates in relation to Black’s death.
On April 29, 40-year-old Luke Welford, of Cabramatta, was arrested at the jail and taken to Riverstone Police Station, where he was charged with wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, accessory after the fact and possess offensive weapon in a correctional facility.
On May 1, 28-year-old Matthew Bennis, from the Illawarra suburb of East Corrimal, was also arrested and taken to Riverstone Police Station, where he was charged with the same three offences.
Reports from inside the jail suggest Black was stabbed with a shiv, and that the alleged incident was not captured on CCTV.
As investigations with Strike Force Salvana continue, prison operator MTC-Broadspectrum has committed to working with Corrective Services NSW and NSW Police.
“Following any incident that threatens the good order and security of the centre involving inmates or staff, an immediate review is automatically conducted in collaboration with Corrective Services NSW and, where necessary, NSW Police or independent investigators,” an MTC-Broadspectrum spokeswoman said.
The trio are set to face Parramatta Local Court next month.