Seven prisoners charged with guard assaults

Seven Rimutaka Prison inmates have been charged with assault after a spate of attacks on prison guards.

Inspector Brett Kane of Upper Hutt police said the alleged incidents took place between August 17 and October 28 and left five prison guards injured.

"We're also looking into further allegations of assault that have taken place in the last few days," Mr Kane said.

Attacks reported since then include one on Tuesday against parole board member Sandy Gill after she and other board members declined an inmate parole.

The accused men were to appear in Upper Hutt District Court today facing various assault charges.

For an August 17 incident, one inmate has been charged with common assault.

Following an October 26 incident that left two officers with cuts and bruises, two inmates have been charged with one count each of assault with intent to injure.

Two other inmates have been charged with two counts each of assault with intent to injure after the same incident.

For an incident the next day, an inmate has been charged with common assault.

For the most recent of the incidents, on October 28, an inmate has also been charged with common assault.

- NZPA