Charges against deceased suspect withdrawn in Toowoomba court

Upon his death, the police prosecution told the court police would no longer offer any evidence in regard to the charges.

Ashley Charles Washington died after being tasered in Toowoomba.

A MAN whose death in custody is under investigation had charges against him withdrawn during a sombre moment in Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

Ashley Charles Washington had died after being tasered by a police officer in Mt Lofty on Sunday night.

Police claim a dog squad unit was searching for Mr Washington after reports of a break in at a home in Warana Ave about 6.50pm Sunday.

It is alleged the patrol came upon Mr Washington at the corner of Jellicoe and Glendower Sts a short time later and there was an altercation in which police claim the 31-year-old had lunged at the senior constable with a pair of scissors.

It is also alleged Mr Washington stabbed the police dog, Turbo, with the scissors.

Mr Washington was then tasered and died after a suspected medical incident en route to hospital in an ambulance.

Solicitor Brad Skuse, of David Burns Lawyers, representing Mr Washington, appeared in court on Mr Washington’s charges which included four counts of trespassing, two of possessing dangerous drugs, two of breaching bail and one each of burglary, fraud, receiving tainted property, and obstructing a watch house officer.

Police prosecutor Rowan Brewster-Webb told the court police in the circumstances would offer no evidence on each of the charges.

Magistrate Kay Ryan therefore stuck out all charges.