Death in NT prison custody prompts Coroner’s call for clearer guidelines on use of force

CORONER Greg Cavanagh has urged the Corrections Commissioner to provide clearer directions to staff on escorting prisoners following an inquest into the death of 51-year-old Aboriginal man in 2018

Coroner Greg Cavanagh has urged the Corrections Commissioner to provide clearer directions to staff on escorting prisoners. Picture: Che Chorley

CORONER Greg Cavanagh has urged the Corrections Commissioner to provide clearer directions to staff on escorting prisoners following an inquest into the death of 51-year-old Aboriginal man in 2018.

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Ishmael Nalaiyir Nawirridj died of natural causes at Royal Darwin Hospital on December 5 after being having suffered from a number of serious health conditions over the preceding months.

While Mr Cavanagh found Mr Nawirridj’s care, supervision and treatment in custody was adequate, he was critical of a lack of specific guidelines around the circumstances in which a prisoner could be forcibly moved.

“There are obviously circumstances were force can and should be used by corrections officers when escorting patients — one of those was seen when the officer removed the (breakfast) knife from the deceased,” he said.

“However, it is difficult to envisage circumstances requiring the use of force where the prisoner is simply refusing medical treatment and is entitled to do so.

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“I encourage the Commissioner of Corrections to provide a specific direction relating to escorts as to the limits of their powers in such situations.”

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