Inquest into the death of Paul Lambert

36y · Male·Combined effect of gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen

Paul Lambert, 36, was shot by NSW Police on the Pacific Highway after attacking and stabbing his former girlfriend Dr J. multiple times. He had a longstanding pattern of intimate partner violence, stalking, emotional abuse and fabricated mental health crises to manipulate partners. He breached Queensland parole by living in NSW undetected from July-November 2016. After Dr J. ended their relationship, he attacked her with a knife, was pursued by police, and engaged in a stand-off armed with a knife. Despite negotiation attempts, a Taser deployment precipitated his fatal advance toward officers with a raised knife. The coroner found lethal force was justified but noted better outcomes might have occurred with earlier highway closure, additional Taser-equipped officers, and detection of his parole breach. Key lessons include need for enhanced non-lethal tactical options (shields), weapons dealer access to ADVO/AVO databases, and improved interstate parole information systems.