A coroner is set to probe how Rebels outlaw motorcycle boss Jamie Ginn died at Perth Watch House hours after he was arrested, two years on from his death.
The 50-year-old had been placed into custody for breaching a firearm prohibition order in October 2023, as part of a targeted police strategy to suppress bikie activity following a drive-by shooting in Baldivis days earlier.
Rebels president Jamie Ginn.Credit: 6PR
At the time, police said he had suffered a medical episode on the night of October 11, but the exact details of what happened in the lead up to his death will be revealed in November after Ginn’s case was this week listed by the coroner for a three-day hearing.
Deaths in custody are subject to a mandatory coronial investigation, which examines the circumstances surrounding how a person has died and the care that they received while incarcerated.
At the time, WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said that he had watched the CCTV footage from Ginn’s cell and believed he had suffered a medical episode - thought to be a seizure - about 7pm, two hours after he was detained.
“I’ve watched the CCTV ... based on what I’ve seen, and the early indication, it’s highly likely to be a medical episode only ... I don’t think there’s any real blame to be put on anyone,” Blanch said.
“Whilst we know he was a member of an outlaw motorcycle group, I still think it’s very important that we are sensitive to what’s occurred because he does have family and friends, and they are grieving.”
Ginn is believed to have received medical assistance from paramedics, but it was later revealed there was no nurse on duty at the watch house when he died. He was pronounced dead at 8pm.
WA Police later released a statement saying that Ginn was seen by a nurse on arrival at the watch house, however the nurse on the next shift called in sick, and a replacement could not be found.
“However, all staff are proficient in first aid,” it read.
Jesse Copeland (left) and Jamie Ginn.Credit: Facebook
“Mr Ginn was observed to be having what appeared to be a seizure. Staff placed him in the recovery position and called an ambulance.
“When Mr Ginn stopped breathing, they immediately began CPR.
“While WA Police are satisfied nothing more could be done to save Mr Ginn, it now falls to the coroner to ultimately make their findings in respect to his death.”
In a tribute to Ginn, the partner of Rebels member Jesse Copeland, Jess Harding, remembered him as a great man who would be missed.
“A life lost too early Jamie Ginn, you were one of the most caring kind-hearted gentleman I’ve ever met. You guided and took care of Jesse in ways he needed, and I’ll forever be grateful for,” she said.
“You were one of the first people to meet Blaise and have shared memories and milestones with our family I’ll forever be grateful and honoured to say you were a part of.
“Rest is paradise Jamie and keep causing havoc just up there.”
Ginn had only recently been appointed the boss of the Rebels bikie gang at the time of his death.
The coronial inquest is set to begin on November 19.
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