Katrina Hawker death inquest: ‘Offence may have been committed,’ NT Coroner finds

The coroner investigating the death of a Palmerston nurse, ostensibly via accidental overdose, says she does not believe the deceased ingested the pills intentionally, leaving only one possibility.

Peter Scammell and Katrina Hawker. Picture: Facebook

The NT coroner has referred the death of a Royal Darwin Hospital nurse, ostensibly by a self-administered overdose, to the Commissioner of Police and Director of Public Prosecutions after concluding “an offence may have been committed in connection with” the woman’s death.

Bakewell woman Katrina Sheridan Hawker, 43, died in the backyard she shared with long-term partner Peter Scammell on the afternoon of September 12, 2020, from an overdose of benzodiazepine mixed with alcohol.

In June, a coronial inquest was held into her death.

The inquest heard evidence that Mr Scammell’s fingerprint was discovered on a box of Temazepam, which he had been prescribed, in the couple’s wardrobe; he behaved oddly when paramedics attempted to revive Ms Hawker and commenced a new relationship just days after her death; and that two friends of Mr Scammell’s attested to concerning statements intimating involvement in her demise.

Peter Scammell leaves the Darwin Local Court after giving evidence at an inquest into the death of Katrina Hawker. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Additionally, there was evidence Mr Scammell’s drinking had spiralled out of control; the pair fought incessantly, with a neighbour believing Mr Scammell was the driving force; and that he was intermittently unfaithful and frequently made disparaging comments about Ms Hawker to friends.

Mr Scammell, whose account of the afternoon his wife died was inconsistent, possibly due to his high level of intoxication, maintained his wife died by suicide or accidental overdose.

Coroner Elisabeth Armitage released her findings on Friday.

She said she found it “highly unlikely” Ms Hawker was a recreational user of Temazepam and, even if she was, unbeknown to all, it was again “highly unlikely” she would have accidentally taken a fatal dose, in light of her medical training.

Peter Scammell and Katrina Hawker. Picture: Facebook

Ms Armitage also found it “unlikely” Ms Hawker died by her own hand.

“No suicide note was left by Ms Hawker. She had just purchased a new vehicle and had plans to go camping,” the coroner said.

“She had changed her annual leave arrangements shortly before her death.

“She had booked in an appointment for the upcoming Monday and made a lunch date with a friend.

“On the day of her death she was planning to cook a particular chicken recipe, a cookbook was open near the kitchen and the ingredients were left out on the kitchen bench.”

Ms Armitage said if Ms Hawker did not cause herself to ingest the Temazepam, “only one rational possibility remains”.

Late RDH nurse Katrina Hawker. Picture: Facebook

She went on to highlight an exchange between Mr Scammell and counsel assisting the coroner, Clancy Dane, while the former was giving evidence.

“Even if you don’t actually remember what happened that day, do you think it is possible that you did something to cause Katrina to ingest that Temazepam?” Mr Dane asked.

“I cannot remember anything from that day … But I just can’t see myself doing that,” Mr Scammell responded.

“I don’t know what happened that day.

“I can’t 100 per cent say that it didn’t happen or it did happen. I’m just saying I can’t remember what happened.”

Ms Armitage said that under the Coroners Act 1993, “I am not permitted to include a finding or comment that a person may be guilty of an offence.”

“However, as I believe that an offence may have been committed in connection with the death of Katrina Sheridan Hawker, in accordance with section 35(3) of the Coroners Act 1993 I now report this matter to the Commissioner of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions.”