Youth worker bashed by six thugs in youth detention centre before riots
A YOUTH justice worker was set upon by six young thugs at a notorious detention centre before he was locked in a dark room and bashed.
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A YOUTH justice worker was set upon by six young thugs at a notorious detention centre before he was locked in a dark room and bashed.
The incident happened in the hours leading up to Saturday night’s riot at the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre.
The worker, aged in his early 20s, was left battered and bruised by the assault.
The six detainees pushed him into a dark room and used a fridge to barricade the door.
CHAOS: Youths riot at juvenile centre
PUSH FOR INQUIRY: Opposition reaction
Opposition youth crime spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said: “This is a crisis of Daniel Andrews’s making and it is time he laid down the law with these violent youths.
“This Premier is taking the wrong advice from the wrong people.
“Only in his warped justice system are the staff locked up and the offenders in charge.”
David Stockman, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services, said: “A minor incident occurred on Saturday at the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre.
“The staff member involved did not suffer any injuries and has not required time off work.
“Any anti-social behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The following day two staff members were also attacked, which police are investigating.
Belinda Batty, a Victoria Police spokeswoman, said two staff members were treated for non-life-threatening injuries after being attacked by two males.
“No charges have been laid at this stage and the investigation is ongoing.”
Hours after the justice worker was attacked on Saturday up to 12 other teens ran riot and allegedly caused thousands of dollars worth of damage.
They took over their unit and kept guards at bay for three hours, brandishing makeshift weapons and smashing windows and fittings.
The Herald Sun has been told that staff and specially trained anti-riot officers did not enter the justice centre’s Deakin unit from 7pm until 10pm on Saturday, because the situation was deemed to be too dangerous.
A WorkSafe report last month found that the lives of staff members at Malmsbury were in danger if the situation did not improve.
Some workers at the troubled centre believe it is more dangerous than an adult jail.
@davidhurleyHS