Another prison van attack investigated

Wellington police are investigating an alleged attack on a prisoner being transported from Rimutaka Prison to a court appearance in Porirua.

The transportation of prisoners is already in the spotlight after Auckland teenager Liam Ashley died from injuries he received when he was set upon by fellow prisoners in the back of a van.

In the Wellington case, police say charges have been laid after a 29-year-old was allegedly assaulted by another prisoner in a police court escort van last Friday.

There were eight adult prisoners in the van and police say others may also be charged in relation to the same incident. They say the victim was treated for cuts and bruising.

Senior Sergeant Alasdair Macmillan, acting Kapiti Mana area commander, said the prisoner was treated at Wellington Hospital for cuts, bruises and facial swelling and discharged after a couple of hours.

Mr Macmillan said three prisoners were arrested and appeared in Porirua District Court last Friday on a charge of injuring with intent. They were remanded to reappear this Friday.

"The incident is also being looked into from our own perspective to see if we can learn anything from it,'' he said.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA