‘I miss him a lot’: Sister of Kowanyama man, who died in police custody, reveals family’s sorrow

The grieving sister of a Western Cape York man, whose death in custody has prompted a coronial inquest in Cairns, has revealed the sorrow and “deep depression” she felt after learning her youngest sibling had died.

The grieving sister of a Western Cape York man, whose death in custody has prompted a coronial inquest, has revealed the sorrow and “deep depression” she felt after learning her youngest sibling had died.

Mr George, whose family requested his first name not be used for cultural reasons, was found “unresponsive” at the Kowanyama watch house on November 9, 2022, after being taken into custody following a domestic dispute.

Among the issues being considered at the inquest by State Coroner Terry Ryan are the adequacy and appropriateness of training provided to the police officers involved and Queensland Police Service policies in relation to operating the Kowanyama watch house, particularly in relation to risk of suicide.

He is also considering whether there are any further recommendations which can be made which could prevent deaths from happening in similar circumstances in the future.

Family photo of Mr George, who died in police custody in Kowanyama in November 2022. Mr George's first name cannot be used for cultural reasons.

Prior to being apprehended, the inquest heard Mr George had been seen in the community on the day of his death around midmorning and appeared to be “intoxicated” and acting in a “loud and aggressive” manner.

But Mr George’s sister, Gwenette George, who was among around a dozen community members attending the inquest, said her brother’s death could have been avoided.

“I hope this doesn’t happen in community (again). This shouldn’t happen in any community,” Ms George said.

“I was shocked when I went to the clinic and they announced he was dead.

“I was shaking. It’s upsetting for me. I suffer mentally after the death of my brother. I went into deep depression after that.”

Kowanyana woman Gwenette George, sister of Mr George, outside the Cairns Coroner's Court, on the second day of the coronial inquest into his death in police custody in November 2022. Mr George's family has requested his name not be used for cultural reasons. Picture: Brendan Radke

The loving brother was a source of strength for Ms George, who has multiple chronic health conditions.

“He always came around to help me,” she said.

“He’d mow the grass, pick up rubbish, make sure that my boys were helping me out and pulling me into line.

“Cleaning, cooking, making sure I took my medications. Whatever needed to be done. That’s how I remember him.”

The inquest heard Mr George had made multiple failed attempts to enter rehabilitation for alcoholism, Ms George said.

“I was always pushing for him to go to rehab and get some help,” she said.

“But they just kept saying (health services) for him to wait. The process has always been slow.”

Family of Mr George comfort Gwenette George (centre) outside the Cairns Coroner's Court on the first day of the coronial inquest into his death in police custody in November 2022. Mr George's first name cannot be used for cultural reasons. Picture: Brendan Radke

Earlier, emergency physician Dr Mark Little, who reviewed CCTV footage from Mr George’s cell as well medical and police statements relating to his death, told the inquest the medical attention he received was “appropriate and adequate”.

“I had no concerns with the medical response provided by … the police service and the health staff that responded to the collapse of Mr George,” Dr Little said.

“It is very apparent from the post-mortem performed that there was marked swelling of the neck and obstruction of the airway; meaning the most likely cause (of death) was a lack of oxygen to Mr George’s body.”

One community member openly wept as evidence was given during the inquest on Thursday.

“I’m just hoping we get a good outcome,” Ms George said.

“Hearing some of the stuff about my brother is a bit upsetting for me.

“He was always there for me, doing things. Today, I’m here because I miss my brother so much … I miss him a lot.”

The inquest is set to conclude on Friday.

Originally published as ‘I miss him a lot’: Sister of Kowanyama man, who died in police custody, reveals family’s sorrow