A 76-year-old man has died after giving evidence in his own trial at Perth’s District Court this week.
The man, who cannot be named due to a suppression order, was on trial over historic incest allegations he had pleaded not guilty to.
The man was on trial in Perth’s District Court.Credit: Marta Pascual Juanola
It is understood he was in the witness box being cross-examined on Tuesday before he suffered a medical episode believed to be a heart attack about 3.10pm.
The man’s legal counsel and court staff attempted to resuscitate him before St John Ambulance crews entered the courtroom and provided CPR.
He was taken via ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
On Friday, a Department of Justice spokesman said WA Police were investigating the incident on behalf of the Coroner to determine if it is a reportable death.
They had previously confirmed that on May 20 “a male accused became unwell within the District Court building”.
“Emergency services were called and he was taken to hospital,” they said.
“The department was later advised the accused passed away in hospital.”
The man was on bail during the trial, which began on Monday.
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