Police officers charged with attack on prisoner in Queensland guardhouse | Queensland

Two police officers have been charged after allegedly assaulting a prisoner in north Queensland earlier this year.

The alleged incident occurred in January at the Mareeba Watchhouse, near Cairns, where a 23-year-old man was shot.

According to police, the man was in custody for property crimes and assault at the time of the alleged incident.

A 51-year-old male police officer was charged with deprivation of liberty and assault causing bodily harm.

The other male police officer, 43, was charged with assault causing bodily harm.

“The QPS does not tolerate unlawful behaviour from any members and takes these allegations very seriously,” a police statement said.

“As the matter is now before the court, we cannot comment further on this.”

The officers have been suspended and are expected to appear in Mareeba Magistrates Court on October 2.

“In line with our commitment to high standards of conduct, transparency and accountability, we are committed to informing the public when a member of the service faces serious allegations of misconduct,” the police statement said.

“This does not mean that the accusations against the member are well-founded.”

The case comes as media attention is focused on the treatment of prisoners, including children, in Queensland detention centres.

In July, a joint investigation by Guardian Australia and SBS The Feed uncovered a series of videos exposing the appalling treatment of teenagers – many of whom have disabilities – in police custody.

In July, footage was also released of an Indigenous teenager allegedly being forcibly restrained by police at a Brisbane police station.

The video released by the ABC claimed the 17-year-old boy was beaten with a baton and held down by three officers in 2023 after spending days in a guardhouse.

Queensland Police said the incident in Richlands, southwest of Brisbane, was investigated by the Ethical Standards Command after a complaint was made.

The investigation found that the officer’s actions were “lawful and reasonable” and that all three officers could continue to do their jobs.

The Youth Advocacy Centre said in April it was considering legal action after it accused the Queensland government of failing to protect children in shelters.

In 2023, the Queensland government controversially passed a scheme allowing children to be held in police stations and adult prisons, overriding the state’s Human Rights Act.