Dean Wickliffe. Photo: Supplied
A prisoner who is on a hunger strike after allegedly having his head beaten into a concrete floor by prison guards has been sent to hospital and is suffering from kidney issues, his lawyers say.
Dean Wickliffe, who has spent a lifetime in and out of prison, has been on hunger strike since 10 March - a total of 14 days - after he was allegedly beaten by guards at Spring Hill Prison for refusing to enter his cell.
He was taken to prison when he was found living in his car after being made homeless, a breach of his parole requirements.
Annette Sykes & Co solicitor Sam Vincent told RNZ that Wickliffe was still not eating and was struggling to walk.
"We know that he's got impaired kidney function now, we found that out over the weekend.
"We have sought medical information from the prison as requested by Mr Wickliffe, but we haven't received that yet."
Vincent said Wickliffe went to hospital on Monday morning.
"That seems to be where he needs to be so that his condition doesn't drastically deteriorate. That's about as much as I know about his medical."
Vincent said they have been told by the prison the incident has now been referred to police.
A Corrections spokesperson said the alleged assault had been referred to police and a staff member placed on special leave.
They said Wickliffe had been taken to hospital but could not comment further due to their obligations under the Privacy Act.
Police are looking into the alleged assault at Spring Hill Prison on 6 March.
A police spokesperson said police were making "initial inquiries into an alleged incident at Spring Hill Corrections Facility earlier this month".
Wickliffe's parole hearing is still scheduled for 26 March.
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