Inquest into the death of Terrence Daniel Briscoe

27y · Male·Airway obstruction due to a combination of positional asphyxia, aspiration and acute alcohol intoxication

27-year-old Aboriginal man died in Alice Springs Watch House from airway obstruction due to acute alcohol intoxication, positional asphyxia and aspiration. He was detained in protective custody after being found intoxicated near Flynn Drive. Unknown to police, he consumed approximately 350ml of rum during van transport, reaching a blood alcohol level of 0.350 g/100ml (lethal range). Critical failures in care included: absence of Watch House Keeper, failure to conduct proper health assessment despite obvious incapacity, dragging the detainee rather than assisting him to walk, failure to recognise head injury despite bleeding, inadequate cell checks during overnight shift, failure to respond to call button from other prisoners hearing distress sounds at time of death. Officers stated he was "annihilated" but permitted him to remain in custody. No escalation to medical care occurred despite multiple warnings. Systemic failures included inadequate staffing with inexperienced probationary constables, lack of training on duty of care, failure to implement previous coronial recommendations from 2010 Cedric Trigger inquest, and absence of auditing procedures. Death was preventable.