Updated - Prisons report unearths widespread irregularities

An investigation by the Home Affairs Ministry has unearthed a litany of irregularities in the attendance of staff at the prisons in Corradino, The report was commissioned after the minister, Manuel Mallia, made a surprise visit to the facility on April 7 and found a number of warders absent. The investigation was headed by the ministry's permanent secretary and includes recommendations which will be passed on to the prison administration. Silvio Scerri, chief of staff at the ministry said the names of the prison warders were not being issued, pending disciplinary action. However the report - excluding some security matters - will be published. He said the salient points of the findings were: At least seven officers (and not four as originally declared) were missing from their posts during his visit. There was regular shortcoming in punch clock recording (recording of when workers arrive and leave). There were serious shortcomings in the recording of leave, particularly urgent leave. In 2009 a report had already been made by the Auditor-General about the poor recording of attendance and absenteeism, but nothing was done about it. 'No one was accountable in all levels," Mr Scerri...