Country footy program for prisoners reinstated with tough new restrictions

Murderers, rapists and violent offenders will no longer be let out of jail to play sport on weekends after victims of crime were devastated by day release granted to a one-punch killer.

Murderers rapists and other violent offenders will no longer be let out of jail to play sport on weekends after victims of crime were devastated by the decision to grant day release to a one-punch killer.

The Andrews Government was forced to apologise to the family of David Cassai last year when it was revealed his killer Dylan Closter was being let out to play country football.

GOVERNMENT REVIEWS DAY RELEASE PROGRAM

PREMIER APOLOGISES FOR KILLER’S FOOTY RELEASE

COWARD-PUNCH KILLER GIVING TALKS TO SCHOOLKIDS

The case prompted an urgent review of the day release system involving prisoners at the minimum security Beechworth and Dhurringile facilities.

Some criminals will now be allowed to take the field on weekends again but the government has locked in what it says are strict new safeguards.

Corrections Victoria will also work with the Victims Support Agency to ensure victims are told if their tormentors are being let out to play football.

All offenders convicted of a category one offence — also including serious drug trafficking, child sexual offences and causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence — will not be eligible for prison sport programs.

Caterina Politi, the mother of one-punch victim David Cassai. Picture: David Caird

Other violent offenders convicted of category two offences can apply for day release once they have served two-thirds of their non-parole period, and would then need the approval of a committee including police officers, Corrections Victoria staff and members of the community.

“We’ve listened to the concerns of victims to make sure that only certain types of prisoners are able to take part in these programs,” Corrections Minister Ben Carroll said.

AFL Goulburn Murray regional general manager Jamie Macri said the prisoners playing in his league had always been “well supervised and widely supported by their clubs and local communities”.

“We support and look forward to the return of the prison sports program, which makes a positive contribution to football clubs and sport in regional Victoria,” he said.

The new rules also mean prisoners will not be allowed to consume alcohol at country football grounds.

The day release program is expected to be reinstated in the next few months.

“Corrections Victoria will continue to work with the Victims Support Agency and the clubs and leagues to implement these reforms as quickly as possible,” Corrections Victoria commissioner Dr Emma Cassar said.

@tminear