A crime gang boss has refused to face court after learning he must kneel before security staff as part of strict new safety protocols following his violent outbursts in prison.
Convicted murderer George Marrogi was due to face the Supreme Court of Victoria via a video link on Wednesday over a confiscation order being sought by the Australian Federal Police.
George Marrogi was returned to his cell on Wednesday after refusing to kneel for prison guards.
When the case was called on, a jailhouse supervisor told the court Marrogi was refusing to comply with safety requirements put in place to protect prison officers who have been subjected to his abusive and aggressive behaviour.
“We had difficulties with the prisoner coming in to [appear before] the courtroom. He kicked me in the side. I’ve had him taken back to his cell,” the officer said.
The court heard that the last time Marrogi, the founder of the Notorious Crime Family, was in the prison’s video link room he kicked an officer so hard it fractured the man’s ribs.
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Marrogi also attacked staff several days ago during a meeting.
The supervisor on Wednesday said that because of the past incidents Marrogi was now on a handcuff regime with a special security restraint belt, and must kneel in the video room to ensure the safety of staff.
Co-offender and former girlfriend Antonietta Mannella, who is serving a sentence at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, also failed to appear before the court on Wednesday, as prison staff said she didn’t believe she was needed.