Inquest into the death of Dylan Thomas Maher
Deceased
Dylan Thomas Maher
Demographics
25y, male
Date of death
2014-06-27
Finding date
2015-11-23
Cause of death
multiple injuries sustained as a result of collision of vehicle with power pole and ejection from vehicle
AI-generated summary
Dylan Maher, aged 25, died when his stolen red Commodore collided with a power pole during a police pursuit lasting 72 seconds. He was ejected from the vehicle and died from multiple injuries including brain stem avulsion and skull fractures. Toxicology revealed methylamphetamine at lethal range and cannabinoids, substantially impairing his driving ability. The pursuit was initiated by experienced officers with silver police driver certification who observed dangerous driving in a built-up shopping precinct before the vehicle fled. The decision to pursue and its continuation were compliant with NSW Police Safe Driving Policy. However, the coroner noted the policy provides wide discretion with limited mandatory requirements, allowing pursuits even in school zones. While it is impossible to determine with certainty whether the pursuit increased or decreased overall risk, the coroner observed that decisions about pursuing vehicles involve complex judgments made under time pressure and that the adequacy of policy guidance remains questionable.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Drugs involved
Contributing factors
- police pursuit of vehicle
- excessive speed by driver
- driver impairment from methamphetamine and cannabis
- driver not wearing seatbelt
- dangerous manner of driving prior to pursuit
- collision with power pole at crest of hill
- pursuit in built-up area with nearby school zones
Coroner's recommendations
- Coroner declined to make formal recommendations, noting that Deputy State Coroner Dillon's detailed recommendations regarding Safe Driving Policy in the Hamish Raj inquest have already been considered in the current policy review
- Support was expressed for recommendations made in the Raj inquest regarding clarification of guidance to police in exercise of discretion regarding initiation and continuation of pursuits
- Coroner expressed concern at the delay in release of updated Safe Driving Policy - 5 years after its stated review date of November 2010
- Coroner noted priority should be given to rollout of mobile CAD units providing direct location transmission to supervising officers
- Coroner noted continued rollout of mobile ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology may reduce need for certain pursuits
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