Keli Lane is suing the New South Wales Government for $2 million, alleging prison authorities failed to protect her from sexual and physical abuse by a correctional officer.
Lane was granted day release to appear in person at the Supreme Court in Sydney, while wearing an electronic tracking device on her ankle. She claims the state’s prison system failed to act despite authorities knowing about the alleged abuse.
She was a key witness at a 2023 Special Commission of Inquiry into former prison guard Wayne Astill, describing what she said was daily abuse while she was held at Dilwynia Correctional Centre in Sydney’s west.
Astill was sentenced to 23 years in prison after abusing his position and assaulting 14 female inmates, including Lane.
Outside court, Lane’s partner Patrick Cogan said the case was about seeking accountability. “We’re just hoping for some accountability to some serious misconduct,” he said.
“It’s been harassment and bullying of Keli for a very, very long time. So we’re hoping for a positive day,” Mr Cogan added.
Criminal lawyer Paul McGirr said the compensation being sought was substantial but could be within the range awarded in similar circumstances.
“$2 million does seem a significant amount of money, but certainly that can be in the realm and I have seen circumstances where those amounts have been met,” he said.
Lane was convicted in 2010 of murdering her newborn daughter, Tegan, and sentenced to 18 years in prison.
She returned to court in 2024 seeking parole, but her application was refused under New South Wales’ no-body, no-parole laws. She is not due to be released until December 2028.
The civil case is due to return to court next month.
