PRISON BASHINGS SPARK DEMAND FOR JUDICIAL INQUIRY

The NSW Government has been urged to launch a judicial inquiry into
allegations of rampant drug dealing and assaults in the State's prison
system.

The call followed the suspension of two Sydney prison guards and the
charging of another for allegedly bashing inmates.

One Silverwater Correctional Centre guard was charged on Wednesday with
two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Another guard is
expected to be charged soon.

The State Opposition corrective services spokesman, Mr Andrew
Humpherson, said a public inquiry was needed to determine the validity
of claims against staff.

He said drugs were so rampant in jails that several - including
Parramatta, Emu Plains and Cessnock - had drug-free wings for prisoners
wanting to avoid being tempted. He said the inquiry should also
investigate claims that students at the Corrective Services Academy in
Sydney were being passed without regard to their performance.

A Corrective Services Department spokeswoman said there was no
indication more than a few officers were involved in bashings.