Inmate charged with Pilbara prison officer assault

An inmate has been charged over the alleged assault of a prison officer at Roebourne Regional Prison early this month.

Police allege the 28-year-old prisoner struck the officer, aged 46, in the chest on January 7 during a discussion between the pair.

The prison officer was uninjured and returned to work on normal duties the next day. The inmate has been charged with assault of a public officer and is to appear before Karratha Magistrate’s Court in coming weeks.

Roebourne police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Tom Daly said it was rare for attacks on prison officers to come to police. A Department of Justice spokesman said it supported staff who pursued charges.