NSW: Six inmates of Goulburn maximum security jail charged

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NSW: Six inmates of Goulburn maximum security jail charged

By Kelly Nicholls

SYDNEY, April 19 AAP - Six inmates of the Goulburn maximum security jail in NSW havebeen charged following a riot earlier this week that left a security officer in a criticalcondition.

On Tuesday, 30 prisoners armed with broken table legs and mop handles attacked andinjured seven prison guards during the Goulburn maximum security jail riot.

A police spokesman today said a 24-year-old male inmate had been charged yesterdaywith two counts of wounding with intent to murder, occasioning grievous bodily harm andone count of riot.

The man appeared before Goulburn Local Court yesterday and the case was adjourned until May 29.

Two 26-year-old prisoners were each charged yesterday with wounding with intent tomurder, two counts of wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, and riot.

Three prisoners aged 23, 24 and 31 were yesterday charged with riot and assault ofa prison officer.

An officer who was beaten unconscious during the onslaught, 34-year-old Tim Swain,has undergone neurosurgery.

Mr Swain, who has eight years experience on the job, today remained in a serious conditionin Canberra Hospital.

The other prison officers have now been released from hospital.

In the riot, 30 prisoners attacked prison guards on the top landing of a maximum securitycell block shortly before the 3pm (AEST) muster.

All prisoners, including those who staged the attack, were locked in their cells andthe jail was secured shortly after 4pm (AEST).

Goulburn jail contains the 70-bed super jail, which houses some of NSW's most notoriouscriminals, including backpacker serial murderer Ivan Milat.

A police spokesman said more charges are expected to be laid tomorrow.

AAP kn/mk/cjh/de

KEYWORD: RIOT CHARGES