Audio: Mother punished after young inmates escaped from Serco prison van

ABC PM - 8 January 2014

The spotlight is on Western Australia's prison transfer system after the escape of two prisoners triggered the cancellation of some transfers and prevented a mother attending her son's funeral.

The two prisoners broke out of a Serco prison van at Geraldton Airport last week.

"I can't think of any good reason that would explain why she could not attend the funeral of her son. I think they should offer an apology and get their act together, and look out doing what's right and operating in the culturally appropriate operations for prisoners," said Joyce Capewell,

"In Aboriginal culture, it is very important for people to attend funerals and to pay respect to the loved ones. And, if you don't attend it, in some communities, Aboriginal people can face tribal punishment."