Samir Ograzden didn't have his back turned when he was shot dead by police, inquest hears

A PATHOLOGIST has told an inquest that she did not think it was possible that police shot an armed man while his back was turned.

Samir Ograzden

A PATHOLOGIST has told an inquest that she did not believe it was a possible scenario that police shot an armed man while his back was turned.

During the first day of an inquest into the fatal police shooting of 25-year-old Samir Ograzden, Dr Sarah Parsons said he was shot through the side of his neck by a "distant range" gunshot.

Dr Parsons said Mr Ograzden would have died within minutes from his injury.

When asked by Mark Rochford, SC, if she believed he could have been shot from behind, Dr Parsons replied: "I can't see a way but that's just my opinion."

Mr Rochford, counsel assisting Coroner Audrey Jamieson, told the court police pulled over a car in South Melbourne about 11.30pm on May 13, 2008 and found one occupant in possession of cannabis.

The officers found drugs and $15,000 cash in a bag belonging to Mr Ograzden, the court was told.

He ran to Kings Way where two officers from other units - Senior Constable David McHenry and Constable Adam McKenzie - chased him.

Mr Rochford said Mr Ograzden raised a semi-automatic pistol and fired shots at the two pursuing policemen.

The court was told Sen-Constable McHenry returned fire and was shot and wounded in the thigh as he advanced.

After again calling on Mr Ograzden to drop his weapon, after which he fired again, both policemen shot back at him.

Mr Ograzden fell to the ground and police moved in to find him dead.

The inquest continues.