Unruly inmates destroy Ravenhall Correctional Centre unit as others forced into isolation
Inmates whose warnings of an impending security breach at a Melbourne prison went unheard have been forced into isolation after their unit was destroyed by two prisoners.
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Inmates who warned prison staff of a possible security breach at a Melbourne prison have been forced into isolation cells and stripped of privileges after their unit sustained mass damage at the hands of two unruly prisoners.
On May 11, the pair – rumoured to have a history of similar incidents – scaled a roof cavity inside Ravenhall Correctional Centre’s Glen Hope Unit, where they remained for five minutes.
While a GEO Group Australia spokeswoman said the incident was “managed extremely well”, the Herald Sun understands part of the electrical system inside the unit was destroyed.
The Glen Hope Unit, some of which also sustained water damage, consists of four sections or “phases” where inmates were housed based on the severity of their mental health conditions.
Staff at the medium-security prison were subsequently left with few options to house dozens of inmates caught up in the ordeal.
One inmate’s mother told the Herald Sun fellow detainees including her son were forced into isolation cells, otherwise known as solitary confinement, due to a lack of suitable alternative accommodation.
“My son said there was a knock at his cell door (during the incident), then it opened and the tactical team and some prison officers said he had to go with them quickly,” she said.
“The control room with all of the electricals has all been damaged and that is why it’s taken so long to fix, as some parts are custom made.”
The security breach was the second major incident to occur within the facility, 25km west of Melbourne, in little more than six months amid reports of funding cuts and staffing issues.
The mother, who wished to remain anonymous over concerns of her son’s safety, said inmates had warned prison guards about a possible security incident in the days prior.
“For four nights, the inmates in phase three had been abusive and yelling all night which can be heard in all the units and despite their behaviour getting worse and those in charge being told (by other inmates) this was happening, nothing was done about it,” she said.
“Then they’ve gone into the roof cavity and damaged all the wiring, the electrical systems and cabling causing everyone to be evacuated and placed in solitary confinement.”
Her son was stripped of privileges when he entered isolation inside the Forbes unit – with exception of a 12-minute phone call – where he remains more than two weeks on.
“He has huge mental health issues and is very vulnerable, has done nothing wrong and is now locked up in solitary confinement in maximum security 24/7 with no pillows and no outside time at all,” she said.
“Normally they get run-out time where they have a yard they can go out to but inside (the Forbes unit) they get nothing.”
She said heating was only reconnected to much of the Glen Hope unit late last week and that prison insiders estimated the damage bill neared close to $500,000.
GEO Group Australia would not confirm the total cost when questioned by the Herald Sun.
“Damage caused by two prisoners at Ravenhall Correctional Centre has been repaired,” a spokeswoman said in response.
“The incident was managed extremely well and resolved with no injuries to staff or prisoners.”
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