Deceased
Dima Thomson
Demographics
39y, male
Coroner
Decision ofDeputy State Coroner Lee
Date of death
2022-04-28
Finding date
2025-10-03
Cause of death
multiple gunshot wounds
AI-generated summary
Dima Thomson, a 39-year-old man with a history of alcohol-fuelled domestic violence incidents and mental health conditions, died from multiple gunshot wounds after police attended his home responding to a breach of an apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO). While police appropriately gathered background information and investigated the alleged breach, several procedural gaps were identified: no contact was made with the attending supervisor as required, no formal arrest plan was devised despite adequate time and opportunity to do so, and no explicit enquiry was made about weapons despite Dima's violent history and a mother's earlier observation of him holding a knife. When police informed Dima of his arrest and attempted to handcuff him, he unexpectedly produced a folding knife and advanced toward officers. The discharge of firearms by two constables was found to be reasonable and lawful. The coroner emphasised that while planning the arrest might not have changed the outcome, it represented an important learning point for the NSWPF regarding the necessity to plan more complex arrests, particularly involving intoxicated individuals with violent histories.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Error types
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
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