Bradley Murdoch, Zak Grieve to give evidence at inquest into Chris Malyschko’s death in prison

DRUGS found in the jail cell of the NT’s first known contract killer, Chris Malyschko, were ‘interfered with’ before a police crime scene examiner arrived at the death scene, a coronial inquest has heard.

Malyschko’s mother Bronwyn Buttery (centre) and Detective David Munro leaving the Darwin Magistrates Court. Picture: Glenn Campbell

• ‘Tragic death’ in NT prison will be investigated, promises NTG

DRUGS found in the jail cell of the NT’s first known contract killer, Chris Malyschko, were “interfered with” before a police crime scene examiner arrived at the death scene, a coronial inquest has heard.

Malyschko, 31, was found dead inside his cell in Holtze prison on the morning of August 20 last year in circumstances shrouded in mystery until a coronial inquest into his death began on Monday.

The inquest heard a forensic pathologist ruled Malyschko died from “positional asphyxia” due to synthetic cannabis use and obesity after he was found face down in his cell in the Darwin Correctional Centre.

However, he also had a number of mysterious injuries, including deep bruising to his stomach and chest, fresh cuts on his anus and blood on his buttocks.

Chris Malyschko had served eight years of a life sentence for the killing of Ray Niceforo in 2011 in Katherine. Picture: NT Police/ Mandatory Murder by Steven Schubert

MORE CRIME & COURT NEWS

Men accused of mass horse kill to fight charges in Supreme Court

Palmerston crime: Police bust, arrest number of booze thieves near water park

Insane footage: Car hoons dangerously through streets of Alice Springs CBD

Counsel assisting the coroner, Kelvin Currie, told the inquest that prisoners said synthetic cannabis, commonly known as “Kronic” was “rife” throughout prison, especially among Sector 7 where Malyschko lived.

Sector 7, where those given life sentences are housed, is home to some of the NT’s most notorious prisoners, such as Malyschko, his co-accused Zak Grieve and Peter Falconio’s murderer, Bradley Murdoch.

Murdoch is one of the “lifers” set to give evidence at the inquest.

Holtze Chief Correctional Officer James Sizeland told the inquest there were no cameras in the hallways or common areas of Sector 7 because there was “a degree of trust” with the prisoners housed there.

Peter Falconio’s murderer, Bradley Murdoch, is set to give evidence in the coronial inquest. Picture: AFP Photo/David Hancock

OFFER EXTENDED: Amazing NT News subscription offer: Read everything for $1

Coroner Greg Cavanagh told the inquest photos taken in Malyschko’s cell by Corrections “revealed” that items on the shelves, including what is believed to have been a bag containing Malyschko’s drugs, were “interfered with” while Mr Sizeland was in the cell.

“Any explanation for that?” Mr Cavanagh asked.

“When I left the scene I don’t believe police had already taken photographs,” Mr Sizeland replied.

The inquest continues.

Follow @MsSarahMatthews