‘She did not deserve this’: Mum-of-three allegedly murdered in her NSW home
Emergency services were called to the Casino home on Saturday morning, but it took nearly an hour for the police to pick up the call. Warning: Contains sensitive topics
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A mum of three who was allegedly killed by her former partner in her NSW home has been remembered for her kindness and compassion.
Sarah Miles was found unconscious in her Casino home in the early hours of Saturday morning after a triple-0 call was made by a neighbour who heard the sound of a woman screaming.
It’s understood the call was made to emergency services at 1.30am on Saturday, but it took 55 minutes for police to answer the call.
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Mum-of-three allegedly killed by partner
By the time services arrived at the northern NSW home, the woman was unconscious with "obvious" head injuries. Tragically, she could not be saved, dying shortly later.
Her former partner, Dwayne John Creighton, 31, has since been arrested and charged with her murder.
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Creighton did not apply for bail and will appear in Lismore Magistrates Court on Monday after the case was adjourned on Sunday morning.
Sarah, believed to be in her 40s, was a mother to three children, whom she adored, a relative said.
“She was a very smart lady. She loved her kids,” the family member told The Daily Telegraph. “She did not deserve this. It’s absolutely soul-crushing and devastating.”
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According to the ABC, eight women have been allegedly killed by their partner or former partner in June alone. This year, 38 women have been murdered (with a man charged or convicted over the death). That is 17 more than this time last year.
Kirsty, Sarah's friend, shared a touching tribute to her childhood friend.
“I can’t believe this has happened,” she said. “Sarah, you were my best friend; I always cared about you and your kids. I’ll always remember you from our school days.
“You’re one beautiful lady, I miss you so much. I wish this was a dream. Rest in peace, my beautiful friend Sarah; always loved, never forgotten.”
Sarah's family, who has requested privacy regarding the tragic death, released a statement thanking those who paid tribute to the beloved mother.
“Sarah was a loving, talented and compassionate person,” the statement read. “She made an impact on everyone she met.
“This is tragic and an unbelievable loss for her children and family, who she loved dearly. Sarah will be missed by many people and we ask that you give the family some privacy in this tragic time.”
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Police launch investigation into slow emergency response
Following the sounds of a woman screaming in her home, a concerned neighbour called triple-0.
However, the cal was reportedly placed into a level three category on their priority ranking, meaning the police did not attend to the address immediately. It took 55 minutes for the police to answer the call, responding and arriving at the scene two minutes later.
But by the time they arrived, it was too late.
“It’s disgraceful police not responding when they should have,” a relative said.
Following the mother’s death, NSW Police have confirmed they would launch an investigation into the call and why it was given a lower priority ranking.
“Upon attendance, they found a woman unconscious with obvious injuries to her head,” said NSW Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna.
“Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated, and she died at the scene. The delay has given me enough concern that I have asked for an independent investigation.
“What [police] were doing prior to that and what other jobs there were will form part of that investigation.”
Speaking on Sunrise, NSW Police Minister Yamin Catley said an independant review was needed.
"We set up an independent review immediately," she said. "We also know that there will be a coronial investigation into this incident, and the LEC is there, the law enforcement conduct commission, to ensure everything is looked at and looked at forensically.
"We do not want this to happen again. We want to make sure that the independent review is undertaken extensively so we can ensure and assure the community that when they call the police they will come."
It’s understood the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission would also launch an investigation into the incident.
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