A correctional services executive's role in a $300,000 prison rort was "motivated by financial greed" to fund his retirement, a court has heard.

The District Court of South Australia heard Paul Andrew Robinson, of Seaton, used his position within the department to make "arrangements … in terms of directorships" for a company to tender for the Yatala Labour Prison redevelopment between 2018 and 2019.

Robinson — who is behind bars awaiting sentence — previously pleaded guilty to three counts of abuse of public office for the offending, which was uncovered in 2019 .

He and another man, his former co-accused Matthew Laurie Patzel, were charged over a collusion plan to corrupt the prison upgrade tender process, but all charges against Mr Patzel have been discontinued.

Ryan Williams SC, pr

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