All in-person visits to prisons have been suspended at all correctional centres. This is in response to the cluster of COVID-19 cases in Sydney.
Court visitors curtailed
Additionally, the Chief Magistrate of the Local Court of New South Wales Judge Graeme Henson AM made an order restricting visitors to NSW Local Courts.
“I ORDER in Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour, members of the public who do not have a legitimate reason associated with a particular matter listed before the Local Court of New South Wales or in relation to the exercise of the jurisdiction of the Local Court not be admitted to Local Court premises or part of Local Court premises.”
Chief Magistrate Henson noted that the courts allow two support persons in certain circumstances:
- Defendants facing sentence;
- Persons in need of Protection in relation to a domestic or personal violence;
- Defendant who is suffering from a mental health or cognitive impairment
condition and is accompanied by their legal representative.
The courts also permit victims of crime to have one support person.
You can view the full orders here.
Prison visits cancelled
From today, Corrective Services will suspend all in-person visits at all correctional centres.
According to the Department of Communities and Justice, “this decision was made in response to the growing cluster of COVID cases in the Sydney Metropolitan area”.
Video visits will continue to be available.
Sarah is a civil solicitor who primarily practices in defamation, intentional torts against police, privacy and harassment.
