Serial killer 'swallows toilet part'

Serial killer Ivan Milat, serving a life sentence for the slaying of seven backpackers, has attempted self-mutilation for the second time in recent months by swallowing part of a toilet flushing mechanism, authorities said today.

Milat was rushed from his maximum security cell at Goulburn Jail to a public hospital three weeks ago after swallowing a spring from the toilet in his cell, said Kerry Mumford, a spokeswoman for the Department of Corrective Services in New South Wales state.