Attack leaves prisoner in an induced coma

Police were called to the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre at Kempsey yesterday at about 4:30pm in relation to a serious assault.

Police said two men, a 40-year-old Port Macquarie man and an 18-year-old Bankstown man, were placed into a cell as roommates for the first time. The section was placed into lock down at about 3.30pm as per normal daily procedure.

It is alleged that an argument started between the two over religious beliefs which resulted in the 18-year-old carving letters into the front and rear of the 40-year-old man’s head before pouring hot water through a towel which was placed onto the victim's face.

The 18-year-old then contacted service officers who attended and removed both inmates.

Inspector Mick Aldridge said the 40-year-old man suffered significant wounds to his head, neck and face along with a broken sternum.

He was taken to Port Macquarie Base Hospital where he was placed in an induced coma last night.

Police said they will be attending the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre where appropriate charges will be preferred against the 18-year-old.

A Corrective Services spokesperson confirmed that “an inmate is in hospital after allegedly being assaulted at Mid North Coast Correctional Centre yesterday (April 7).”

“About 4.30pm, an offender called for staff to attend his cell saying he was concerned about the welfare of his cellmate. 

“Staff immediately provided first aid to the injured man and paramedics were called.  He was taken to hospital.

”NSW Police were notified and one man is currently in segregation pending further enquiries.”