A former member of Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre’s Emergency Response Team (ERT), who was employed by facilities and detainee service provider Serco, is expected to face Perth Magistrates Court today (14 December 2020), charged with allegedly assaulting a detainee.
Australian Federal Police officers charged the 30-year-old man after investigating an alleged incident at the Centre in Northam on 27 September 2020, which resulted in the detainee being checked by paramedics.
Police will allege four former Serco officers, including two members of the ERT – who are responsible for the safety and security of detainees and staff – went to a room in a high care accommodation block on the September afternoon, after a closed circuit television camera in the room was covered by the detainee.
It is alleged one of the ERT members entered the room alone where the alleged assault of the detainee occurred.
Police say the 45-year-old man allegedly had bruising on his torso and a tooth dislodged following the incident.
Paramedics were called to the Centre and examined the man shortly after the incident. The matter was reported to the AFP by the Australian Border Force and an investigation was undertaken.
The 30-year-old former ERT officer has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, contrary to section 317 of the Criminal Code Act (WA).
The potential maximum penalty for the offence is five years’ imprisonment.
