A latch assembly for releasably securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member, the latch assembly comprising: a housing adapted for attachment to one of the first member and the second member; a handle pivotally attached to said housing and being movable between a closed position and an open position, said handle causing the latch assembly to open when said handle is moved to the open position; and a lock barrel assembly supported by said handle, said lock barrel assembly being adapted for being selectively rotated between locked and unlocked positions by a user using a key, said lock barrel assembly having a keyhole end, locking engagement end, and a longitudinal axis about which said lock barrel assembly is rotated to move said lock barrel assembly between locked and unlocked positions, said lock barrel assembly having at least one projection that is positioned to interfere with and substantially prevent the movement of said handle to said open position of said handle by engaging a portion of said housing when said lock barrel assembly is in said locked position, wherein said at least one projection is attached to said locking engagement end of said lock barrel assembly, wherein said at least one projection is offset relative to said longitudinal axis of said lock barrel assembly, characterised in that said at least one whereby said lock barrel can be used to selectively lock the latch assembly against opening, projection projects from said locking engagement end of said lock barrel assembly in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said lock barrel assembly and away from said keyhole end of said lock barrel assembly. a housing adapted for attachment to one of the first member and the second member; a handle pivotally attached to said housing and being movable between a closed position and an open position, said handle causing the latch assembly to open when said handle is moved to the open position; and a lock barrel assembly supported by said handle, said lock barrel assembly being adapted for being selectively rotated between locked and unlocked positions by a user using a key, said lock barrel assembly having a keyhole end, locking engagement end, and a longitudinal axis about which said lock barrel assembly is rotated to move said lock barrel assembly between locked and unlocked positions, said lock barrel assembly having at least one projection that is positioned to interfere with and substantially prevent the movement of said handle to said open position of said handle by engaging a portion of said housing when said lock barrel assembly is in said locked position, wherein said at least one projection is attached to said locking engagement end of said lock barrel assembly, wherein said at least one projection is offset relative to said longitudinal axis of said lock barrel assembly, characterised in that said at least one whereby said lock barrel can be used to selectively lock the latch assembly against opening, projection projects from said locking engagement end of said lock barrel assembly in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said lock barrel assembly and away from said keyhole end of said lock barrel assembly.