Inquest to investigate death of William George Grimes

More details about an inquest into a Maryborough dad’s death after a schoolyard standoff with police have emerged as officers in the same city prepare for a second probe into a chase-linked fatal crash.

The actions of police when responding to a late-night callout to a Fraser Coast school have been revealed as the focus of an inquest into the death of a Maryborough dad.

William George Grimes died on March 10, 2020, aged 31.

During an inquest into his death next month, Coroner Terry Ryan will consider when, where and how Mr Grimes died and the cause of his death.

The coroner will also consider the circumstances leading up to the decision by the police to taser Mr Grimes who had doused himself in petrol at Granville State School.

According to reports at the time, police were called to a park at Granville about 11pm on March 8 following reports of a man needed assistance in the area.

Mr Grimes reportedly ran from the police into Granville State School while holding a jerry can and a lighter.

Reports said the man allegedly “ended up setting himself on fire”, but according to family members of Mr Grimes, there was a suggestion the police use of the taser might have been the cause of ignition.

An inquest will be held into the death of Maryborough's William George Grimes.

Mr Grimes was flown to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition where he died on March 10.

Mr Grimes’ mental health care plan and treatment prior to his death will also be examined, along with whether the police officers involved acted in accordance with the Queensland Police Service policies and procedures then in force and whether their actions were appropriate.

The coroner will also consider whether the training and equipment provided to the officers in responding to a similar incident was sufficient.

The inquest is scheduled for October 18-20 at the Hervey Bay Courthouse.

An inquest has also been set down to investigate the death of Maryborough’s Damian Lawton.

The 26-year-old motorcyclist was killed during a police pursuit on May 30, 2020, when he crashed his motorcycle into a car at the intersection of Woodstock and Neptune Streets.

The inquest will be held on November 1-2 at the Maryborough Courthouse to examine the police pursuit that day, and the adequacy of the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young father’s death.

Do you need help?

Lifeline 13 11 14

headspace 1800 650 890

beyondblue 1300 224 636

Suicide callback service 1300 659 467