Justice Minister Emmanuel Mallia during the surprise visit to prison. Photo: Justice Ministry

About eight prison warders are under investigation for repeatedly leaving their place of work hours before the end of their shift.

The abuse was uncovered when Justice Minister Emmanuel Mallia turned up unannounced at the Paola prison on Sunday evening, a Justice Ministry spokesman said.

Corradino Correctional Facility director Abraham Zammit yesterday offered his resignation and it was likely to be accepted, the spokesman added.

The minister made the surprise visit the previous day after e-mails were sent to the ministry, some from prison personnel, complaining that some warders were abusing the system.

When Dr Mallia turned up at about 7.30pm, four warders who were meant to finish work at 9pm were nowhere to be seen. The minister discovered that the system whereby warders were meant to punch in and out was not being used.

Those found abusing the system will be asked to pay back the salaries they were paid when not at work

It transpired that a group of warders stationed in a number of prison divisions had been carrying out the abuse on a regular basis.

The ministry spokesman said the director “looked shocked” when he saw the prison attendance book, held by guards at the gate to log those who leave and enter the prison.

The attendance book was sealed and handed over to the ministry’s permanent secretary to carry out an investigation.

The spokesman said that as a result of the abuse, warders were being left alone to man a section of some 60 inmates.

In some instances they were leaving work eight hours early.

Dr Mallia said it was unacceptable for these warders to be leaving sections of the prison unattended when their salaries were paid out of public funds.

The spokesman said the salary of the warders was equivalent to salary scale 14, which amounted to €12,919 a year rising by annual increments up to a maximum of €14,820.

Those found abusing the system will be asked to pay back the salaries they were paid when not at work. Other disciplinary action could also be taken.

The investigation will look into the abuse and anyone found to be aware of it will be held accountable.