Notorious bikie and convicted murderer Richard Ene has pleaded guilty to a series of violent assaults carried out inside a maximum-security prison. The 34-year-old appeared before the Geelong Magistrates’ Court via video link on Wednesday, where he admitted to charges including intentionally causing injury and recklessly causing injury.
Details of the assaults
The offences occurred at the Barwon Prison in Victoria over several months in 2022 and 2023. Court documents reveal that Ene assaulted multiple prisoners and a prison officer during the incidents. In one attack, he punched a fellow inmate repeatedly in the head, causing significant facial injuries. In another, he struck a corrections officer with a closed fist after becoming agitated during a routine search.
Background of the offender
Ene is already serving a life sentence for the 2016 murder of 24-year-old Matthew Walters, whom he shot dead in a Geelong street over a drug debt. He is a patched member of the Mongols bikie gang and has a lengthy criminal history including drug trafficking and violent offences. His latest guilty plea adds further weight to his already substantial sentence.
The court heard that Ene’s behaviour in prison has been consistently violent, with multiple incidents documented by prison authorities. His lawyer argued that Ene has expressed remorse for his actions and is seeking to engage in rehabilitation programs. However, the prosecution noted that his violent conduct undermines the safety and security of the prison environment.
Legal proceedings and next steps
Magistrate Jennifer Tregent adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report and ordered Ene to appear again on 15 November 2023. She warned him that further violent behaviour would result in additional penalties. Ene faces the possibility of extended imprisonment and further restrictions on his prison privileges.
The case has drawn attention to the challenges of managing high-risk offenders within the corrections system. Prison officials have implemented enhanced security measures to prevent further incidents, including increased monitoring and restrictions on Ene’s movements within the facility.
