Spring Hill prisoner apologises for role in brawl

Nine Spring Hill prisoners have been transferred to maximum security at Auckland after a fight erupted, injuring five security guards.

And although the prisoner who began the brawl has since written a letter of apology to staff it hasn't seen him dealt with any more leniently.

Spring Hill manager Gavin Dalziel said the fight began after a prisoner was told his application to leave the prison on an escorted outing was declined.

"He began a spontaneous fight with another prisoner in the unit and when staff went to stop the fight five of them were assaulted by a number of prisoners." The five guards were not seriously injured and did not require time off work.

The nine prisoners involved now face criminal charges after the January incident.

However, Mr Dalziel and his staff were pleased with the prisoner's apology letter.

"It's not common for staff to receive letters from prisoners apologising for incidents they have been involved in.

"In over 30 years working in prisons I haven't seen many," Mr Dalziel said.

In his letter, the prisoner said he was concerned for the wellbeing of his peers in the unit, and had broken protocol by acting impulsively. He also asked for staff to forgive him.

- © Fairfax NZ News