Probe into sudden senior staffer death at Victoria’s Coroner’s Court
AN INVESTIGATION is underway following the sudden death of a senior staffer at Victoria’s Coroner’s Court.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AN investigation is underway following the sudden death of a senior staffer at Victoria’s Coroner’s Court.
Solicitor Jess Wilby is understood to have taken her own life last week after an extended period of leave from the court.
Her tragic death came as she was due to return to work at the court.
Sources said Ms Wilby had taken extended stress leave but the reason for the leave remains unclear.
The death is the third known suicide in less than 12 months within the state’s justice system.
It follows the tragic deaths of Victorian magistrates Stephen Myall, who died in March, and Jacinta Dwyer, who died last October.
Specialist counselling staff have been at the Coroner’s Court this week providing support to staff.
Acting state coroner Iain West paid tribute to Ms Wilby as a valued colleague and friend.
“Jess was an exemplary solicitor, an understanding and supportive colleague and a wonderful warm, generous person who was much loved and respected by all who worked with her,” he said.
“The Court extends its condolences to her family and loved ones, and expresses its deep sadness at this tragic event. Jess will be very much missed by all at the Court.”
Coroner West said staff at the court had been left devastated by the death.
“The Court understands that this a challenging time for many staff members. This is compounded by the fact that staff deal daily with death in their work,” he said.
“In their case, returning to work does not provide respite from their grief.
“In addition to the health and wellbeing measures and regular debriefing services introduced to the Court in 2016 to address the risks to staff posed by vicarious trauma, the Court is also working with Court Services Victoria to ensure that appropriate additional support is provided as needed.”
There have been recent complaints of a toxic culture at the court with several senior staff understood to have resigned.
An external public relations firm has been employed to deal with media, with inquiries to the court now being outsourced.
Attorney-General Martin Pakula described Ms Wilby’s death as a tragic situation.
He said he had discussed her death with the chief justice today.
“As the matter is subject to ongoing investigation, it is not inappropriate to provide any further comment at this time,” he said.
Ms Wilby assisted the coroner in high profile inquests including a probe into the death of teen Numan Haider who was killed by police he had tried to attack.
She was also the counsel assisting in the inquest into murder mystery of Margaret Penny and her hairdresser Claire Acocks who were killed in a Portland hair salon in 1991.
Those needing help can contact Lifeline on 13 11 44 or Beyondblue on 1300 224 636.