Coroner’s Court dodges questions on inquest into Kirra McLoughlin’s death

Deputy State Coroner Jane Bentley last month determined Paul McDonald, 39, caused the injuries that killed Kirra – finding he beat and choked her then waited hours to call an ambulance. But there was no recommendation that McDonald be charged over her death.

Paul McDonald, who a coroner determined killed his de facto partner Kirra-Lea McLoughlin. Picture Supplied

The Queensland Coroner’s Court has refused to answer questions about why it did not recommend charging the man it determined was responsible for the July 2014 death of young Gympie region mum Kirra McLoughlin.

READ MORE: Coroner says Paul McDonald caused Kirra-Lea McLoughlin’s death

Deputy State Coroner Jane Bentley last month determined Paul McDonald, 39, caused the injuries that killed Kirra – finding he beat and choked her then waited hours to call an ambulance.

Kirra’s mother Alison Russell and high profile lawyer Peter Boyce called for an urgent review of the investigation into her death in light of the findings.

Kirra McLoughlin died with more than 100 bruises on her body.

Coroner Bentley found McDonald, who is currently serving a prison term for a violent attack on another woman, “has a propensity to inflict severe and serious domestic abuse, including coercive control of his partners”.

“He becomes particularly violent when jealous or concerned that his partner may leave him.”

She said she was “satisfied” McDonald struck Kirra “numerous times” after returning to the house on the night she died, and it was “highly probable” that he choked her.

A post mortem examination of Kirra’s body would find 102 areas of bruising – 10 bruises on her head and neck, 24 on her trunk, 16 on her left arm, 18 on her right, 28 on her left leg and 17 on her right.

It did not find evidence of an overdose, instead, Kirra is believed to have died due to a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain.

Earlier this month a spokesperson for the Coroner’s Court avoided questions on why there was no recommendation McDonald be charged over Kirra’s death, instead offering this:

“An inquest is a court hearing conducted by the coroner to gather information about the cause and circumstances of a death.

“An inquest is not a trial and there is no jury. It is not about deciding whether a person is guilty of an offence or civilly liable.”

There was no question put to the Coroner’s Court about the difference between an inquest and a trial.

The Queensland Courts website specified coronial recommendations, and why they are made.

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“At the end of an inquest, the coroner may comment on or make recommendations on anything connected with a death that relates to public health or safety, the administration of justice or ways to prevent deaths from happening in similar circumstances in the future,” the court website said.

An email directed to Mr Boyce and Butler McDermott Lawyers on the subject received no response.