Julian Knight in hospital after embarking on hunger strike
As Victoria’s hospital system is battered by coronavirus, mass murderer Julian Knight is taking up a hospital bed after staging a hunger strike in a petulant jailhouse protest.
Police & Courts
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Mass killer Julian Knight has been taken to hospital deeply ill after embarking on a hunger strike.
The Herald Sun has been told Knight recently became upset after being caught with contraband and stopped eating and drinking.
He was admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital, where high-risk prisoners can be treated securely.
Knight had been in maximum security Port Phillip Prison.
His condition is believed to be serious.
One source said it was typical of Knight to be taking up a hospital bed with unnecessary illness when the health system was under heavy strain because of coronavirus.
Knight was already not in the best of health, having for many years battled Crohn’s disease.
A Department of Justice and Community spokeswoman said: “Corrections Victoria does not comment on matters involving individual prisoners.”
Knight was sentenced to seven life terms in jail over the shooting death of seven people and the wounding of many more in Clifton Hill on August 9, 1987.
A minimum term of 27 years meant he became eligible for parole in 2014 but the State Government passed legislation blocking his release.
Former police officer Donna Wood, who was one of the responders at Hoddle St, said she hoped Knight continued to avoid food and drink.
“Keep up the good work,” Mrs Wood said.
“It’s the kind of self-centredness he’s always shown in his life.”
Mrs Wood tried to comfort wounded 21-year-old Gina Papaioannou at the Hoddle St scene but she died 11 days later.
“Let him shuffle off if that’s what his wish is. It’s always been about him. Let this be about him,” Mrs Wood said.
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