Prisoners barred from football this weekend as government reviews controversial day release program
THE mastermind of Australia’s biggest-ever insider trading scam is among several prisoners confirmed to have been released to play footy in a country Victorian league. But none of them will be lining up this weekend.
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THE mastermind of Australia’s biggest-ever insider trading scam and a man who drove his car at security guards are among prisoners being released to play country football.
But no one will be let out of jail to take the field this weekend after a storm over the decision to grant day release to Dylan Closter, who killed David Cassai in a horrific one-punch attack.
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The Andrews Government this week launched an urgent review of the longstanding program and was forced to apologise to Mr Cassai’s mother.
Prisoners with violent convictions, or convictions for offences resulting in death, will not be allowed out to play football until the probe is complete.
Corrections Victoria confirmed nine Dhurringile prisoners had been playing for four football clubs in the Goulburn Murray district.
The Herald Sun can reveal the prisoners being released include Lukas Kamay, a former NAB banker whose scam netted him more than $8 million which he spent on a car, investments and a $2.3 million apartment from reality TV show The Block.
Kamay, who will serve at least four and a half years behind bars, played two games for Beechworth Football Club’s seniors last year and nine in the reserves, and another five games in the reserves this season.
Geelong man Eli Anderson has also played regularly for the Beechworth reserves after he rammed his 4WD into a security guard outside a nightclub, leaving him fighting for life.
Anderson pleaded guilty to reckless conduct endangering life, recklessly causing serious injury, failing to stop, failing to render assistance, assault and offensive conduct, and was sentenced to a minimum three years.
Corrections Minister Gayle Tierney said the government expected that the impact on victims would be considered in decisions to grant day release to prisoners, and promised a “full and thorough” probe.
“I have asked for this decision to be reviewed and if changes have to be made, they will be,” she said.
“No prisoners with violent convictions will have access to this football program until the findings of the review are considered.”
The Coalition has pledged its own review of the program, with Opposition Leader Matthew Guy saying: “People who have been committed for violent acts and put behind bars should not be playing football on the weekend, socialising and having a good time.”
Twitter: @tminear