A warden was slightly injured in an alleged assault on Friday.

The General Workers’ Union has welcomed the immediate action taken by the prison acting director after a warden was allegedly assaulted by a female prisoner on Friday.

The incident happened in the women’s section of the Corradino Correctional Facility and the warden suffered slight injuries, Hospitality and Food Section Secretary Kevin Camilleri told this newspaper.

The union was informed of the case in the morning and immediately drew the attention of acting director Ray Zammit, said Mr Camilleri, who also takes care of issues connected to the disciplinary corps.

As a result, the case was heard on the day and is carrying on.

“When a prisoner alleges being assaulted by a warden, an inquiry is held immediately, as it should. This should also be the case when a warden is assaulted. However, the process usually takes longer and inquiries are rarely held,” Mr Camilleri said.

He added that hearing the case on the day was “already a plus point”, however the union and its affiliate, the Correctional

Officers Union, were also calling for tighter security measures.

Mr Camilleri said that installing CCTV systems could be a starting point to ensure the safety of both the prisoners and the wardens. The union also feels the need for more

wardens to be engaged at the correctional facility to ensure better security.

The union met Mr Zammit following the incident and called for immediate action to ensure the protection of correctional officials while on duty.

Mr Camilleri said the acting director not only understood these needs but was taking immediate action.