Finding into death of James Colin Tomlinson

Contributing factors

• Depression
• Investigation for child-related sex offences
• Impending court appearance
• Loss of spouse (wife died 2009)
• Estrangement from adult children
• Shame and loss of reputation
• Collapse of social relationships
• Unfamiliarity with criminal justice system
• Psychological loss of defences
• Social isolation and stigma

Coroner's recommendations

1. Victoria Police should review training provided to officers interviewing persons suspected of child-related sex offences to enhance understanding of psychological reactions including loss of psychological defences, difficulties dealing with arrest, isolation, effects on those with children, community attitudes, ignorance of criminal justice system, and cultural/linguistic/mental health issues
2. The current welfare pamphlet provided by Victoria Police should be expanded to include information about the police investigation process, judicial procedures, involvement of other agencies, and how to seek assistance for wellbeing and mental health; material should be prepared in conjunction with Law Institute of Victoria, Victoria Legal Aid, Suicide Prevention Australia, and Beyondblue
3. The Law Institute of Victoria and Victoria Legal Aid should provide specific training for lawyers acting for persons investigated and charged with child-related sex offences regarding psychological reactions to arrest and investigation; lawyers should maintain follow-up contact as court dates approach and encourage clients to seek mental health support through their general practitioner
4. Magistrates and all judicial officers should be made aware that persons under investigation or charged with child sex offences are at increased suicide risk; judicial officers should understand the psychological reactions and stressors affecting this cohort; many suicides occur before first court date