Court hears $2 million claim over prison guard sexual abuse
Keli Lane is suing the state for $2 million after being sexually assaulted by guard Wayne Astill at Dilwynia prison.
Lane, a convicted inmate, appeared in court wearing an ankle tracker on day release to argue NSW failed to protect her. Astill was sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2023 after a Special Commission of Inquiry found he had sexually and physically assaulted 14 female inmates.
Lane testified against him at that inquiry, describing daily abuse at Dilwynia Correctional Centre in Sydney's west. Keli Lane claims prison authorities knew about the assaults but did nothing to stop them.
Legal experts say compensation in serious cases can reach $2 million. The civil claim returns to court next month.
- $2 million
- Compensation sought
- 14 female inmates assaulted
- Guard's victims
- 23 years prison
- Astill's sentence
Why it mattersIf successful, the case could force NSW prisons to strengthen protections for inmates and hold guards more accountable.
AustraliaThe outcome may set precedent for how Australian prisons handle staff abuse cases and duty of care to prisoners.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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