Donovan Michael Duff Pleads Guilty to Inmate Murder at Auckland Prison
Donovan Michael Duff, a member of the Mongrel Mob gang, has pleaded guilty to the 2023 murder of fellow inmate Brian Kenneth George at the Auckland South Corrections Facility. Duff, 48, was already serving a life sentence for the 2016 murder of his 9-month-old daughter, Maija.
Appearing via video feed in the High Court in Auckland, Duff admitted to the charges of murder and wounding another inmate with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. This marks the first time Duff could be publicly identified, as he had previously been granted name suppression.
Justice Mathew Downs, who oversaw Duff’s 2018 trial for the murder of his daughter, again presided over today’s proceedings. The fatal attack on Brian George occurred at 11:40 a.m. on December 21, 2023, in the prison kitchen. Despite efforts from medical staff, George was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident also left another inmate severely injured.
Duff, originally from Tūrangi in Waikato, had been convicted of his daughter’s death in 2018. Prosecutors described the severe injuries she suffered, likening them to the impact of a horse kick. His earlier conviction revealed a history of violent behavior, including previous assaults and criminal convictions, with Duff’s violent tendencies stemming from his troubled upbringing and drug addiction.
During his trial, Duff’s cultural report highlighted his shift from methamphetamine dealing to addiction. He had been involved in violent acts before and after entering prison, but his prior violence prevention training was unsuccessful. His recruitment into the Mongrel Mob, a gang known for its violent culture, further compounded his lack of empathy.
The court today noted the emotional presence of the victim’s family, who observed the proceedings quietly. Duff’s sentencing is set for June, and he remains in custody pending that date.
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The prison incident has raised concerns about safety at Auckland South Corrections Facility, which houses up to 960 inmates and is operated under a private contract with Serco.
