A prisoner has assaulted an officer while he was under escort to Palmerston North Hospital. Photo:
A prisoner has assaulted an officer while he was under escort to Palmerston North Hospital.
Manawatū Prison general manager Leonie Aben said the prisoner was escorted to the hospital on Tuesday for a scheduled appointment.
"During this visit, three members of the public approached the Corrections officers and prisoner while they were in the waiting area," she said.
"As Corrections officers moved to keep the prisoner and individuals separated, the prisoner hit a Corrections officer."
The prisoner was handcuffed to an officer at the time.
Aben said hospital security removed the three individuals and called the police. The prisoner was taken back to Manawatū Prison.
The Corrections officer was bruised and the prisoner was unharmed.
"Assaults on our staff will not be tolerated. Our staff do an incredible job in some very challenging circumstances to keep New Zealanders safe, and they should be safe when escorting prisoners off site for required medical treatment," Aben said.
"The prisoner has been placed on directed segregation, will be charged with misconduct, and will have his placement reviewed. The assault has also been referred to police."
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