Mobile phone found in Port Phillip Prison cell of killer Costas Athanasi
A MOBILE phone has been found inside a contract killer’s jail cell in what is an alarming security breach inside the maximum-security Port Phillip Prison.
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A MOBILE phone has been found in a contract killer’s jail cell in what is an alarming security breach.
Authorities found the phone in the cell of Costas Athanasi, one of three men serving long sentences for the murder of Melbourne lawyer Keith Allan.
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Police are now investigating how Athanasi got hold of the phone inside maximum-security Port Phillip Prison.
They will also look into who he was contacting and why.
Athanasi is serving a minimum of 19 years over the murder of Mr Allan, who was killed in 2000 but whose body has never been found.
Mr Allan’s legal clerk, Julian Michael Clarke, paid drug-dealer Athanasi $93,000 to organise the hit, ultimately carried out by a friend.
The victim’s brother, Lyle, was shocked when told by the Herald Sun about the find.
“That’s fascinating. It’s just amazing that a person can get access to a mobile,” Mr Allan said.
“He just shouldn’t have one.
Mobile phones inside the prison system have been a security issue for more than a decade.
As far back as 2006, the then-Corrections Minister Tim Holding said he was pushing for technology that could “jam” mobile phone lines in jail.
Brett McMerrin, director of justice operations for prison operator G4S, said the phone had been found after prison staff received intelligence about it.
“Acting on information received, our security intelligence team conducted targeted security searching,” Mr McMerrion said.
“As a result, a mobile phone was found in a prisoner cell,” he said.
Mr McMerrin said the prison used “proactive security measures” including barrier controls and detection systems as well as both random and intelligence-led searches to try and minimise the risk of prisoners getting their hands on banned items such as mobile phones and USB sticks.
“We have referred this to Victoria Police for criminal investigation,” he said.
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“Additionally, any prisoners found with contraband are charged with prison offences and have other restrictions imposed,” he said.
“Visitors found attempting to smuggle contraband are banned from the prison.
“Our focus is to provide a safe and secure environment which supports prisoners to break the cycle of reoffending leading to a safer community.”