Inquest into the death of Joshua Stephen Walsh

Contributing factors

• Crystal methamphetamine use (heavy, daily use)
• Erratic and violent behaviour while intoxicated with methamphetamine
• Stated intent to kill himself rather than face imprisonment
• Recent violent offences including armed abduction and assault
• Domestic violence history
• Failure to attend drug rehabilitation counselling
• Inadequate enforcement of interstate bail conditions
• Breakdown of intimate relationship
• Anticipated lengthy prison sentence

Coroner's recommendations

1. Attorney General should consult with interstate colleagues to reform enforcement of interstate bail conditions to ensure conditions imposed can be effectively enforced across jurisdictions
2. Public health campaigns should focus on dangers of crystal methamphetamine ('ice') to young people, highlighting risks of erratic, paranoid, and violent behaviour
3. Attorney General and relevant authorities should examine feasibility of GPS tracking technology for monitoring high-risk persons on bail and reform legislation if appropriate
4. When urine samples are taken for drug testing, a specific signed note should be made by the person in charge that the sample was taken from the person, with this documentation sent to relevant authorities to prevent sample substitution
5. It should be made mandatory that drug counsellors notify the police OIC when a person subject to court-ordered drug counselling conditions of bail fails to comply with those conditions