A NORTHERN NSW institution for boys has been linked to more than 35 violent deaths across Australia.
An ABC investigation has found several boys who were sent to The Institution for Boys Tamworth, which opened in 1947, grew into some of the country's most notorious criminals.
The ABC compiled a list of more than 35 deaths linked to inmates of the institute under a Freedom of Information request.
Former inmates include James Finch, jailed for life for the murders of 15 people in the Whiskey Au Go Go Brisbane nightclub firebombing and Kevin Crump, jailed for life over the murder of Ian Lamb and conspiracy to murder of NSW mother Virginia Morse in 1974.
Other former inmates who went on to become criminals also included notorious rapist William Munday and gangster Arthus Stanley "Neddy" Smith.
Alleged Sydney crime lord George Freeman also attended the school at Tamworth, which he described as the "ultimate finishing school for crims".
The institute was designed to accommodate boys who absconded or misbehaved in other boy's homes and it became known as the most feared institution in Australia.
Keith Kelly, 67, was 16 years-old when he was transferred to Tamworth in 1961.
"When you got to Tamworth you were beaten as soon as you got in the door. You were starved, you were tortured and it was degrading," he told ABC Radio today.
Archibald McCafferty, Sydney's 'Kill Seven' murderer, also spent time at the Tamworth institute.
Dr Michael Daffern, chair of the Australian Psychology Association's College of Forensic Psychologists, said it was possible the systematic mistreatment intensified violent tendencies.
"Exposing individuals to a punitive or abusive environment or any sort of abusive treatment where they are exposed to violence from an early age, where they learn that violence is an acceptable way of solving problems, is going to be problematic," Dr Daffern said.
"It's only going to help them learn to consolidate a violent repertoire."
The Tamworth institute was later renamed Endeavour House before it was finally closed in 1989 following a spate of suicides.
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