Phillip Walton remembered by grieving family after death in police custody at Casino in northern NSW
The family of a man who tragically died in police custody at Casino on the North Coast have paid tribute to the much-loved adventurer. Here’s what they’ve had to say.
Police & Courts
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A Casino man who tragically lost his life while in custody at Casino Police Station has been remembered for his love of sport, adventure and strong family values.
Phillip Mark Walton died after he “became unconscious” and could not be revived while being moved from the dock at Casino Police Station, about 30km southwest of Lismore, on Sunday, March 19.
Richmond Police District responded to reports a man had been assaulted at Casino Showgrounds on Summerland Way just after 11am.
Police have stated Walton, 48, who was attending the travelling Hudson Circus, met with them and allegedly “assaulted a police officer”.
Later, Northern Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said Casino police “became concerned for the man’s (Walton’s) welfare” while he was in the dock.
“Police removed the man from the dock. During this time, it appears that he became unconscious,” he said.
He said a State Crime Command Homicide Squad probe would be overseen by the Professional Standards Command and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Assistant Commissioner McKenna said the death was an “isolated incident” and investigators would get to the bottom of it.
“It’s nothing short of a tragedy in any circumstance when someone loses their life,” he said.
Family and friends all described Phillip as a “carefree, gentle teddy-bear”.
Friends said they are “absolutely astonished” he was involved in any kind of altercation and the family are still without answers.
Now, Mr Walton’s mother, Sharon Olive, has spoken out about her son, who she described as a “smart, clever child” who was “good at maths, loved football and was a talented artist”.
She said Mr Walton returned to Casino several years ago after he travelled around the country as an amusement ride operator.
Mrs Olive said Mr Walton stayed to care for her and her husband after she fractured her leg.
“He was here and called the ambulance,” she said.
“He waited with me four operations later for my leg. I came home and Phillip helped massively with cooking and cleaning.”
Mrs Olive had a message for her deceased son: “Little did any of us know that these were the last years of your life here.”
“I’m just so thankful that we were able to have so much time together,” she said.
“You will be greatly missed, and we will never forget you. God has you in his keeping.
“We will always have the memories and will keep you in our hearts always.”
Mr Walton’s sister, Looen Howse, said “nothing phased” her big brother, who loved footy and used to play for his home side, the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs.
“He was quite good in his day,” she said.
“It was hard not to smile when he talked about his favourite rugby team, the Parramatta Eels.”
Mr Walton’s eldest brother, Ian Walton said his brother played for the Casino RSM Cougars and would watch his other brother Adrian play in his rugby union matches.
“Phillip loved darts,” Mr Walton said, “While he was living in Yamba he played with the Maclean Bowling Club darts club.
“He entered the NSW Darts Zone 4 Championships, Division 2, in 2015 and won both the Singles and Mixed Doubles titles – he was just an incredibly talented guy.”
Ms Howse said music was a big influence in her brother’s life.
She said Mr Walton could hear a piece of music and replicate it perfectly.
“Like the time Ian (my brother) was practising trumpet and Phillip just picked up the trumpet and played it perfect,” she said.
Ms Howse said her heart was broken but she smiled through tears knowing her brother would be “horrified” his family was crying about his death.
“He would give anything a go and it really made for some interesting stories to tell,” she said.
Family and friends enjoyed motorbike riding, horse riding, swimming and fishing with Mr Walton when he was younger.
“We spent a lot of time travelling and we would rip the cushions off the lounge and grab whatever pillows we could find, singing along with dad’s music and telling stories,” Ms Howse said.
She said her brother made a big effort to stay in touch while travelling later in life.
“The stories he told were amazing – breaking in camels and fishing,” she said.
“He had some wild adventures that he would casually mention and some of the stories made me glad he was telling after the event.”
Ms Howse said she would remember her brother for his competitiveness, especially while living at White Cliffs, learning about digging for opals from their father.
“We chipped and we dug with all our might, racing each other to bring the dirt to the surface on a winch or windlass, lowering it down, filling it and repeating the process,” she said.
Ms Howse said her brothers soon made the digging a race.
Mr Walton also spent quality time with his nan on her farm before heading to Casino.
“Nan enjoyed the company and someone to help on the farm, I am sure that a few veggie patches were dug,” Ms Howse said.
She said she held a special place in her heart for the stories of her brother’s travels and their time spent together.
“You are my older brother and my hero,” she said.
The family said they would remember Mr Walton as “someone who loved his family” – and a few VBs from time to time.
He was described as an avid darts player, talented artist and live music lover, with favourites including Guns N’ Roses, Midnight Oil, ACDC, and The Angels.
The investigation into Mr Walton’s death is ongoing.
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