Correctional officers across NSW have walked off the job after an inmate who bashed four guards was spared a prison sentence by a local court magistrate.

Four guards at Cessnock correctional facility were assaulted in February by Cameron Welsh, who was awaiting sentencing on another charge at the time. All officers sustained injuries to their faces, and two will likely never return to work, the Public Service Association said.

The walk-off began with Cessnock and Bathurst guards on Thursday morning, with officers from the state’s other 34 public prisons to follow, the union said. The 48-hour strike will end on Saturday morning.

“In giving Mr Welsh a slap on the wrist, this magistrate has delivered a slap in the face to every prison officer in this state who keeps our community safe from

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