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Prisoner dies after being preyed upon by six inmates in vicious assault

A prisoner with horns tattooed on his head is dead days after a vicious assault at a maximum security jail in Melbourne’s west.

Mark Pollard died after being assaulted in Port Phillip prison.
Mark Pollard died after being assaulted in Port Phillip prison.

A prisoner with horns tattooed on his head is dead days after a vicious assault at a maximum security jail.

Mark Pollard, 48, died in hospital on Saturday after being transferred out of Port Phillip Prison in Melbourne’s west earlier in the week.

His distraught sister Amanda Pollard said the prison failed in its duty of care to provide a safe environment for her “tortured” brother.

“He was jumped on by multiple people, his hands were held back; due to the sheer force of the attack his internal organs were severely damaged and shut down,” she said.

“He didn’t deserve this. Just because he is in prison … it still means he has human rights.”

She also alleges the prison waited 48 hours to tell family of his move to hospital.

“It was only when his health declined to the point of life support that they felt the need to tell us,” she said.

The Herald Sun understands about six inmates have since been moved out of Gorgon unit, where the attack happened, and remain isolated from the general population.

Police have launched an ­investigation and detectives have visited the privately-run jail as part of the inquiry.

Mark Pollard died after being assaulted in Port Phillip prison this week.
Mark Pollard died after being assaulted in Port Phillip prison this week.
Mark Pollard in his late 20s-early 30s.
Mark Pollard in his late 20s-early 30s.

Pollard’s family said there was no CCTV footage of the assault.

“After Carl Williams’ death, how can there not be CCTV?” Ms Pollard said.

“I would like the people responsible for the murder of my brother to be held to account.

“These things can’t go under the radar.”

The Department of Justice confirmed the man’s death, saying serious incidents in privately operated prisons were “completely unacceptable”, while promising a review of prison operations.

G4S Director Correctional Services Craig Castle said staff were “saddened” by the death.

“Our staff have been in regular contact with his next of kin since the incident.

“Any assault is unacceptable and we have launched a critical review of the incident to understand how it occurred.”

Pollard, who had only been in the prison for a short time, had been receiving medical treatment elsewhere for an unrelated matter.

One theory is that other inmates stole possessions from his cell in his absence and this sparked a confrontation.

A post mortem will be conducted and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

brianna.travers@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/prisoner-dies-after-being-preyed-upon-by-six-inmates-in-vicious-assault/news-story/beaaa5ade85cfab5e9730c5766433a3b