Junee Correctional Centre death: inmate found unresponsive at privately-run GEO Group prison

An inmate has been found unresponsive inside a NSW private prison, making it the second death in custody this week.

An inmate has died in a privately-run NSW correctional centre on Tuesday morning — just days after a man was found unresponsive in his cell on the state’s north coast.

Corrective Services NSW sources confirmed a male inmate at the privately-run Junee Correctional Centre had died in custody on Tuesday.

A GEO Group spokesman told NewsLocal the firm could confirm a 28-year-old man died at the Junee Correctional Centre.

Junee Correctional Centre, NSW.

“The man was found unresponsive in his cell by staff around 5.15am and was pronounced deceased at 6.11am,” the spokesman said.

“Corrective Services NSW and NSW Police are investigating the incident. All deaths in custody are subject to a coronial inquest.

“GEO extends its condolences to the family and friends of the man.”

Junee Correctional Centre

The facility, located to the north of Wagga Wagga, is run by private firm GEO Group.

On Saturday, a 41-year-old inmate died at the privately-run Clarence Correctional Centre in Grafton.

Opposition Corrections spokeswoman Tara Moriarty raised concerns over the death.

“It is tragic that we have seen two deaths in custody this week,” Ms Moriarty told NewsLocal.

“This is not something that should be happening, particularly when these inmates are in the custody of the state.”

A Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman said all deaths in custody are immediately reported to the NSW Coroner and subject to a “compulsory and rigorous public inquiry”.

“We are confident that the appropriate investigations are taking place and we will await the outcome,” she said.

Minister Geoff Lee were contacted for comment.