Prison boss admits response towards 'bashed' inmate was excessive

The former governor of Lithgow jail has told a corruption inquiry there was no need for such a heavy response when officers confronted an inmate who had abused him.

John O'Shea has been relieved of his duties while ICAC investigates the bashing of an prisoner, who cannot be named, at Lithgow jail in February 2014.

The inquiry was that told that Mr O'Shea confronted the inmate in his cell after he abused the governor over an intercom system.

Under cross examination, Mr O'Shea was accused of telling the prisoner "you're a smart c---, you won't be smart in a minute".

Minutes later at least eight members of a specialist squad and a prison dog entered the cell. \

The inmate claims he was bashed and had to be treated in hospital.

Counsel assisting the inquiry Sam Duggan said the prison guards' response was like using "a hammer to crack a walnut".

Mr O'Shea agreed, saying there was "no need for all these people".

The jail boss told the inquiry he didn't see or hear any scuffle going on in the cell.

The ICAC investigation is examining allegations prison officers used unwarranted force on an inmate before deleting CCTV footage and planting drugs to justify the search.

The hearing will resume tomorrow morning.