Concern unrest had been brewing at Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre
MALMSBURY staff feared huge trouble was being organised in the days before Wednesday’s mass jail break and violent crime spree.
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MALMSBURY staff feared huge trouble was being organised in the days before Wednesday’s mass jail break and violent crime spree.
Sources have told the Herald Sun experienced staff were concerned about what was brewing, but were not aware of the specifics.
It is now clear the escape was planned well in advance, with the 30 teen criminals involved in a co-ordinated ambush of staff.
Some of the mob had been involved in other high-level disturbances, which have dogged the system for 18 months.
There are unconfirmed reports a number had been sent back to Malmsbury after a brief stay in the Grevillea unit of the adult Barwon Prison.
They had been moved there after previous rioting at the Parkville Youth Justice Centre.
One of the prime offenders is a 17-year-old, who has a long history of trouble inside the system.
He was a ringleader in the destruction of Parkville’s Southbank unit last year, which came during a series of damaging uprisings that caused millions of dollars in damage.
Youth justice sources said the system had been utterly unable to deal with him and many of his ilk.
“If there’s something going on, he’ll be in it,” one source said.
Police were last night in control at Malmsbury with Corrections Victoria personnel expected to take over soon.
The Herald Sun has been told sets of keys are missing, further compromising security at the troubled facility.
Officers were attacked as the mob stormed to freedom on Wednesday, one having his access card taken so the group could gain access through a secure area.
Among those bashed on site were contractors and kitchen staff, before a carjacking and armed robbery rampage across Victoria.
Within an hour, at least three cars had been stolen by the 15 escapees, some of whom had an extensive history of vehicle theft and carjackings.
Workers at Malmsbury have for many months endured frightening levels of thuggery from inmates.
In October, the Herald Sun revealed assaults on staff were running at a rate of worse than one a day.
But — apart from the escape of one inmate last year — the anarchy had not had an impact on the general population until Wednesday.
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