Former Prison Guard Fails Appeal Against Sexual Assault Conviction A former New South Wales prison guard, Wayne Gregory Astill, has been unsuccessful in his appeal to overturn his conviction for sexually assaulting female inmates. Astill, now in his late 60s, was sentenced in March 2023 to a maximum of 23 years in prison for raping and indecently assaulting nine women while working as a guard at Dillwynia Correctional Centre. On Monday, a panel of Supreme Court justices dismissed Astill’s appeal, stating that the jury direction regarding his tendency to exploit inmates did not result in a miscarriage of justice. Astill’s lawyers argued that the direction unduly influenced the jury, but the justices ruled that it would have further complicated the trial proceedings. They also rejected arguments that his sentence was excessive, stating that it was justified due to the severity and systemic nature of Astill’s offenses. The judgment highlighted the gross breach of trust and damage caused by Astill’s actions. Justice Richard Button stated, “His actions involved a gross and continuing breach of trust, damaging in immediate terms to the inmates.” The appeal court’s decision sends a strong message that prison guards who abuse their positions of authority will be held accountable for their actions. Support for Victims of Sexual Abuse: – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service (1800 211 028)