Coronial
NSWother

Inquest into the death of Michael David John Nolan

Deceased

Michael David John Nolan

Demographics

30y, male

Date of death

2013-01-21

Finding date

2016-03-14

Cause of death

Exsanguination due to an incision in the radial vein of his right wrist

AI-generated summary

Michael David John Nolan, aged 30, died in prison from exsanguination following a self-inflicted laceration to his radial vein. He had complex mental health needs including schizophrenia, acquired brain injury, developmental delay, and substance abuse history. The coroner concluded that Justice Health and Corrective Services appropriately managed his care during his final weeks, including appropriate risk assessments, medication, and psychiatric reviews. While Nolan was at baseline elevated suicide risk due to his conditions, the coroner found no evidence of failure in clinical management. The coroner noted that in hindsight, denying access to razors would have been preferable, but accepted the policy allowing razors for prisoners not meeting self-harm thresholds. No recommendations were made as the coroner was satisfied relevant authorities had constructively engaged with the circumstances.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.

Contributing factors

  • Complex psychiatric conditions including paranoid schizophrenia exacerbated by acquired brain injury
  • Developmental delay and mild intellectual disability
  • Chronic substance abuse history
  • Personality disorders
  • Limited insight into his condition and poor reality testing
  • Chronic baseline elevated suicide risk
  • Difficult custodial conditions including prolonged stay in Darcy 2 pod and renovation of adjacent cell
  • Non-association order limiting social contact and movement
  • Access to disposable razor despite elevated chronic risk profile
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