Brandon Rich: 29-year-old Wiradjuri man died in police custody, coronial inquest, Dubbo

The mother of a Wiradjuri man who died in police custody has delivered an emotional statement describing her son as “loving” and “protective”, while questioning police’s actions. Here are the family victim impact statements.

The family of a Central West Indigenous man who died in police custody have delivered emotional and powerful victim impact statements while his death is being investigated at an inquest.

WARNING: This story contains an image and details of an Aboriginal person who has died.

Wiradjuri man Brandon Trevor James Rich, 29, died on December 29, 2021, after he was confronted by NSW Police grandmother’s home at Maughan St, Wellington, near Dubbo.

The court has heard Mr Rich suffered a cardiac arrest while he was trying to escape outside of the bathroom window, after he was sprayed with OC spray.

NSW Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame will investigate the circumstances leading up to Mr Rich’s death, while factoring the level of restraint used by police and the use of capsicum spray.

Wearing a tribute shirt, his mother Corina Rich, held back her tears while describing her caring, loving, funny and beautiful son.

Brandon Rich. Photo: Supplied.

“He taught me what love was … I love my son very much – he brought such joy and happiness,” Ms Rich told the court.

“He loved his family very deeply and we loved him.”

While describing him as cheeky and annoying, Ms Rich said her son “would make everyone laugh” and she missed getting annoyed by him.

Brandon Rich's family in front of Dubbo Court House. Photo: Tijana Birdjan

Ms Rich told the court a nurse at the hospital told her Mr Rich died.

“My life was turned upside down … knowing police had a role in his death is so hard because they are supposed to protect us,” she said.

“They didn’t offer any condolences, it would’ve meant so much to our family and myself.

“I am no longer the person I used to be and hate the kind of person I have become.”

Mr Rich’s grandmother Denise Rich’s statement was delivered by the Aboriginal coronial inquest support worker while she was present in court.

Brandon Rich. Photo: Supplied.

She said Ms Rich and her grandson had a “loving, trusting and open” relationship during his younger years, especially before his grandfather’s death.

“Brandan might’ve struggled in his later years of life but without a doubt he always loved me as I loved him,” she said.

“I want my grandson to be remembered more than the evidence here.

“I love and miss my dear grandson every day,” she said.

Magistrate Harriet told Mr Rich’s family that she knows “he was loved” and to have them express that love “has really struck”.

Magistrate Harriet is expected to deliver her findings on March 12, 2024.