Lonely inmates are turning to Facebook in the hope of finding a companion while they serve their time behind bars.
Prisoners from around the country – including Bunbury and Acacia in Western Australia, Lithgow in New South Wales and Woodford in Queensland – are using a private Facebook penpal group for inmates in an attempt to connect with those on the outside.
Family members of men jailed for murder are allowed to use the group to help them find connections, however those convicted of crimes against woman and children are banned.
Among those on the page is former WAFL player Daniel Zwerus, who was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 18 years after fatally stabbing a stranger, Ilario Maiolo, who was walking his dog along the beach in 2013.
He was suffering psychosis induced by a two-week methamphetamine binge.
“Any girls in WA that genuinely want to write to an inmate? Dad’s getting a bit lonely, poor guy,” the post, written by his daughter, reads.
“No crimes against woman [sic] or children. Wanting someone to write to, needs to be spiritually minded and no crackheads. Needs to be into fitness and training.”
Also on the group is the mother of Daniel Marchesano, 27, who was sentenced to life with a minimum of 23 years for the 2013 shooting murder of Michael Pruiti.
“Hey does anyone know how to get hold of penpals from Perth that would be interested in writing and maybe phone calls with my son Daniel?” she wrote.
“He’s looking for friendly conversations with people who understand his situation.
“He’s due for release around 2034 and is currently in Bunbury prison, he’s looking at being transferred back to Acacia soon. He has not harmed any woman or children.”
Marchesano was found guilty of luring Pruiti to a bush, where he was gunned down by co-accused Ben Michael Mansfield.
There are also posts for those convicted of various other crimes, including fraud and armed robbery.
The brother of alleged motorcycle gang member Adam Lustini also issued a call on social media to find him a companion. Adam made headlines last year when he was charged alongside notorious Brett ‘Kaos’ Pechey.
“Hi everyone, jumping on here to help my brother, Adam Lustini, to find a nice girl to chat to for some company,” the post read.
“He’s 28, has a great personality and has no offences against women or children.”
There were several responses to the post, one included: “Damn! Acacia has picked up some fine quality criminal with this one”.
On the flip side, there are also women seeking prisoners to connect with.
One wrote: “Looking for an inmate to become pen pals with. If u know one plz hand me the details.”
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