Demographics
48y, male
Date of death
2021-09-14
Finding date
2022-07-04
Cause of death
hanging
AI-generated summary
A 48-year-old man remanded in custody for breaching an Apprehended Violence Order died by suicide by hanging in a correctional centre cell approximately 1.5 hours after being refused bail. He was arrested on 12 September 2021 and transferred to Kariong Correctional Centre on 13 September 2021. Despite multiple welfare and mental health screenings at police stations and the correctional centre, he denied suicidal ideation and presented as calm throughout his custody. The coroner found no evidence of risk indicators that should have prompted closer monitoring. Key clinical lessons include recognising that suicide risk in custodial settings may emerge acutely following adverse court outcomes, even in individuals without prior disclosure of suicidal intent. The coroner noted that the timing of death appeared linked to bail refusal, suggesting court outcomes warrant consideration as potential suicide risk triggers. No preventable failures in immediate care were identified, but systemic improvements in post-court screening and coordination between courts and health services were recommended through the 'Towards Zero Suicides in Care' initiative.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
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40y · Male·Gunshot wound to neck
Benjamin Freear, aged 40, died from a gunshot wound to the neck sustained during a police siege on 8 December 2019 in rural Queensland. He had been diagnosed with ADHD in April 2018 and prescribed dexamphetamine by psych…
Source and disclaimer
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