Our client, Rachel*, has courageously held the State of NSW accountable for the abuse she suffered at the hands of senior prison officer, Wayne Astill. Rachel was subjected to repeated sexual abuse by Astill while she was incarcerated at Dillwynia Correctional Centre.
Rachel was one of a number of female survivors who bravely came forward against Astill.
Astill is currently facing imprisonment as a result of being found guilty by a jury in 2022 of offending against 14 inmates at Dillwynia.
This led to the Special Commission of Inquiry into offending by former Corrections Officer Wayne Astill at Dillwynia Correctional Centre, delivering a final report on 29 February 2024 which in shining light on the tragic consequences of Astill’s offending, notably found that Astill “should never have been employed by CSNSW”.
Through the dedicated efforts of our civil lawyers in Sydney, Rachel successfully obtained compensation from the State for the abuse she endured. The settlement recognised both the severity of her abuse and the State’s responsibility in allowing it to occur.
Read our other successful Civil Law Case Studies for Sexual Abuse.
Civil Claim for Sexual Abuse By Astill While in Custody
Rachel was a young Aboriginal woman. She was imprisoned at Dillwynia Correctional Centre on two separate occasions. During her first period of incarceration, she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by senior Corrective Services officer, Mr Wayne Astill.
It was Mr Astill’s authority and position as a senior officer, which provided him the opportunity to exploit Rachel’s vulnerability.
Our firm commenced civil proceedings in the District Court of NSW where it was alleged that Rachel suffered from multiple instances of non-consensual sexual contact, penetrative acts, and coercion by Mr Astill.
Rachel’s claim was pursued as an intentional tort, under the causes of action of false imprisonment, assault and battery.
Detailed Case Overview: Astill Abuse
Mr Astill held a senior position at Dillwynia, with responsibilities that included inmate discipline, handling complaints, and processing transfer requests. This power dynamic enabled him to repeatedly target Rachel, calling her to his office under the threat of punishment or the promise of minor privileges.
The sexual abuse began in 2016 and occurred on more than ten occasions in Mr Astill’s office during daytime hours.
Mr Astill orchestrated these incidents by leveraging his institutional authority, knowing that refusal could result in Rachel losing visitation rights or access to basic privileges.
Rachel endured this abuse under constant threat and psychological coercion. She was made to feel unsafe throughout her incarceration, fearing further abuse and reprisals from Astill. These events caused significant mental distress, including fear, shame, and a lingering apprehension of further harm.
The claim sought aggravated and exemplary damages. Aggravated damages were pursued due to the particularly humiliating and distressing circumstances of the abuse. Exemplary damages were claimed to deter similar misconduct from State employees.
Outcome of the Civil Claim Against State
The matter settled earlier this year providing Rachel with much-needed recognition of the abuse she suffered and the systematic failures that enabled it.
Have You Suffered Abuse While in Custody at Dillwynia Correctional Centre?
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse while in the care of a state institution, you may have the right to compensation. Our team of civil lawyers are experts in holding the State accountable for institutional abuse.
Contact a Civil Lawyer in Sydney For Abuse in Custody
📞 Call (02) 9261 4281
💬 Or enquire online for a confidential consultation.
*We always change the details in our case studies to protect client confidentiality.
