NSW: Chaos in courts as prison officers strike

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NSW: Chaos in courts as prison officers strike

Courts across New South Wales will be thrown into chaos as prison officers walk offthe job for 24-hours.

Corrective Service officers will strike from 8am today (AEDT), with prisoners at jailsacross the state to be put into lockdown.

Prisoners in custody will also not be transported to attend court.

Public Service Association state secretary MAURIE O'SULLIVAN says the decision to strikecomes after a former inmate was granted bail in the NSW Supreme Court last week.

The decision followed charges relating to a riot and serious assault at Goulburn Jail in April.

Two days after his release, the man was taken back into custody after allegedly assaultinga police officer in Dubbo.

A police spokeswoman says the man's been charged with offensive behavior, assault andbreach of bail conditions and is due to face court on Wednesday.

Mr O'SULLIVAN says the release of the man vindicates concerns about the legal systemand safety of prison officers.

AAP RTV nd/smb/jtb/psm/

KEYWORD: PRISONS (SYDNEY)