Eleven prisoners segregated following assault

Eleven prisoners have been placed on directed segregation following an assault at Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison.

After being assaulted on Monday, the prisoner was taken to hospital by Corrections staff and returned to the prison about 8.30pm that day.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison general manager Shannin Mortensen said police had been notified.

“While no individual has yet been identified as responsible for the assault, eleven prisoners who were in the area have been placed on directed segregation while an investigation is carried out,” Mortensen said.

“The perpetrator or perpetrators of the assault will be charged with misconduct, and the incident has also been referred to the Police for further investigation.

“We have zero tolerance for violence in prisons. Any prisoner using such behaviour will be held to account for their actions, including facing criminal charges.”