Gold Coast court: Police to ‘consider’ magistrates criticism of fatal balcony fall aftermath
Queensland police have responded to a Magistrate’s criticism of their handling of the aftermath of a fatal balcony fall on the Gold Coast.
Crime and Court
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POLICE will “consider” a Magistrate’s criticism of their handling of the aftermath of a fatal balcony fall.
Magistrate Kay Philipson on Friday slammed how the officers reacted and treated Jeffrey Andrew Willis after his best mate Noah Fellows had fallen three storeys from a Broadbeach balcony.
Magistrate Philipson watched shocking body-worn camera footage showing Willis being tasered while paramedics were working to save Mr Fellows’ life on December 8 last year.
“The whole situation deteriorated very quickly when the police arrived. I consider that the whole matter was handled very poorly by police,” she said.
Mr Fellows never recovered from his injuries and died when his life support was turned off in May.
Willis pleaded guilty last week to hindering an ambulance officer and public nuisance.
It took four days for the Queensland Police Service to respond to questions from the Bulletin about the incident.
“The QPS acknowledges the Magistrate’s comments and consideration will be given in due course,” a spokeswoman said in statement this morning.
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“Queensland Police Officers undergo extensive training and are well prepared to respond to the range of situations presented to them when responding to conflict; effective communication; restraints and tactical withdrawal options.
“Decision making on the most appropriate, tactically sound and reasonable method, under difficult and high-risk situations, is part of the training provided to all officers.”
Willis was, on Friday, convicted and not further punished for his actions.
No convictions were recorded on his criminal history.
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