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A prisoner is fighting for his life after being violently assaulted in his cell at Northland's Ngawha Prison at the weekend.
The man, who is now on life support, was attacked by other prisoners who stomped on him, leaving boot marks on his head, chest and stomach and used batteries placed in socks as weapons.
The attacked happened on Saturday afternoon as staff were preoccupied with preparing a barbecue.
Barbecues are sometimes held for low-security inmates as a reward and incentive for good behaviour.
Corrections Northern regional manager Warren Cummins said those involved in the attack had displayed good behaviour before the barbecue.
Police have launched an investigation into the attack.
- NZPA
