Prison-within-prison for worst Vic crims

Victoria's most violent criminals will be housed in a new unit within a maximum security prison once their sentences end.

A prison-within-a-prison will be built in a Victorian maximum security jail to house the worst criminals when their sentences end.

The 10-bed unit in Barwon prison will become home to those deemed unsuitable to live in the community when their prison sentences are done.

Victorian Corrections Minister Gayle Tierney on Wednesday said the Supreme Court will decide which violent criminals should be kept in the new facility.