Prison officer was high on ecstasy at work, corruption inquiry finds

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/26/prison-officer-high-ecstasy-icac

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A prison officer went to work while high on ecstasy and sold steroids to a former inmate, a corruption investigation has found.

Robert Di-Bona could also face charges for giving false evidence after the Independent Commission Against Corruption recommended he be considered for prosecution.

The NSW corrections officer was found to have acted corruptly when he twice went to work at Long Bay prison in Sydney while under the influence of ecstasy.

During one of the shifts, Di-Bona was high while on tower duty, when he was required to spot any changes in daily routine.

"Officers on tower duty also carry weapons which act as a visual deterrent to escape," Icac said.

The watchdog also found Di-Bona had sold prescribed steroids to fellow officer Christopher Warren in December 2012 and February 2013.

Both men worked at the metropolitan special programmes centre at the jail.

The Icac report, handed down on Thursday, said the men had engaged in corrupt conduct by failing to report each other's steroid use.

Di-Bona had also sold steroids to a former inmate, known as NL, on at least three occasions between late 2012 and early 2013.

Contrary to corrective services policy, he had failed to disclose his relationship with NL.

Di-Bona was also found to have acted corruptly by using his mobile phone for social purposes while on duty in the prison.

Possessing a phone within a correctional centre is unlawful, and this included corrective services employees, Icac said.

It has recommended the director of public prosecutions consider prosecuting Di-Bona for six offences of giving false evidence to the commission.

It also recommended that corrective services consider sacking Di-Bona and taking disciplinary action against Warren.

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