An Otago prisoner is being transferred to Auckland Prison’s maximum-security wing after an assault on a prison officer, the Corrections Department has confirmed.
Staff had been attempting to return prisoners to their cells on Boxing Day when an officer was hit in the face, Otago Corrections Facility prison director David Miller said.
Other staff at the prison near Milton in Otago responded immediately to bring the situation under control, he said.
Miller said the officer was seen by on-site medical staff and taken to hospital for further medical attention.
He was recuperating at home and was being supported by staff and a welfare team.