Melbourne prison guard injured at Metropolitan Remand Centre

A 57-year-old Melbourne prison guard endured beatings by inmates, but it was a simple accident that spelled the end of his career.

Greg Brassington, 57, is unable to work after tripping over a chair in a dark room at the Metropolitan Remand Centre in 2018, the court heard. Picture: Richard Dobson

A Melbourne prison guard has won the right to pursue compensation after he was badly injured on the job.

Greg Brassington, 57, was attacked by prisoners while working at Truganina’s Metropolitan Remand Centre, the County Court heard.

But it wasn’t until he walked into a chair while patrolling a dark room in July 2018 that he finally sought leave to pursue damages for pain, suffering and lost earnings, Judge David Purcell told the court on February 10.

Mr Brassington received ongoing WorkCover payments for a psychiatric condition related to his employment at the prison, but which did not play a part in his application for damages, the court heard.

He told the court he suffered ongoing pain and “grinding and clicking sensations” in his knee as a result of the injury, which rendered him unable to work.

“On July 26, 2018, he was working full time hours and duties as a corrections officer. He was patrolling a unit at the Metropolitan Remand Centre at night and in a poorly lit area,” Judge Purcell told the court.

“He collided with a metal chair that was bolted to the floor. He hyper-extended his right knee and injured his right angle.”

Mr Brassington told the court his ankle now gave way unexpectedly while walking and had caused a number of falls.

He was unable to walk further than 500m and after having worked manual labour jobs for his entire career, he had no transferable skills that would make him suitable for any of the desk jobs suggested by the Victorian WorkCover authority, the court heard.

“His claim for loss of earning capacity serious injury is put simply on the basis that he is now totally and permanently unfit for any suitable employment,” Judge Purcell told the court.

“He is clearly at a significant disadvantage for even sedentary-type employment.”

Judge Purcell granted Mr Brassington’s application to seek damages for pain, suffering and lost earnings.