Media Release
Tongan national charged with reckless wounding at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre
A Tongan national has appeared before Bankstown Local Court today (7 August, 2025) charged with recklessly wounding a security officer at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre.
The man was awaiting deportation for visa breaches when it is alleged he used an improvised weapon to wound a security officer working at the facility yesterday (6 August, 2025).
The man was subsequently arrested by NSW Police before being transported to Bankstown police station. The matter was handed over to the AFP.
AFP investigators attended the station and charged the man, 29, with reckless wounding, contrary to section 35(4) of the Crimes Act (1900). The maximum penalty for this offence is seven years’ imprisonment.
The man was refused police bail and is expected to re-appear at Bankstown Local Court tomorrow (8 August, 2025).
The security officer received medical treatment at the facility before being transported to Auburn Hospital. He was discharged after receiving medical treatment for minor injuries.
