Teen on remand for murder bashes youth justice worker

A teenager locked up on a murder charge has launched a brutal attack on a youth justice officer, punching and stomping on his victim at the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre.

There has been mounting concern in the past couple of years at the rate of attacks on staff at the Malmsbury youth justice centre.

A teenager locked up on a murder charge has launched a brutal attack on a youth justice worker.

The victim was taken to hospital after being punched and stomped upon in a kitchen at the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre in central Victoria on Wednesday.

The victim, who suffered ­facial injuries, has been ­released from hospital.

YOUTH PRISON WORKERS UNDER ATTACK

YOUTH JUSTICE OFFICER FLOORED IN ONE-PUNCH ATTACK

YOUTH DETENTION RATES AT SIX-YEAR HIGH

A Department of Justice and Regulation spokeswoman said: “Violent behaviour or ­assaults by young people in custody is absolutely unacceptable, and the safety of our staff, young people and the community is of utmost ­importance.”

There has been mounting concern in the past couple of years at the rate of attacks on staff at the Malmsbury and Parkville youth justice centres. Although the rate of the highest-level assaults has declined in the past year, the safety of staff remains in the spotlight.

The Herald Sun revealed in September there had been 30 assaults on staff by inmates in the first eight months of the year. That rate is higher than for the adult prison system.

A police spokesman said a 17-year-old inmate was assisting police with their inquiries.

Investigators are expected to take statements from staff and detainees and examine any available CCTV.