Tasmania Police ‘fully justified’ in shooting man dead at violent Bright incident, coroner finds

A coroner says Tasmania Police was “fully justified” in shooting a Brighton man dead four years ago, saying he was “responsible for his own demise”. The findings >>

Tasmanian police at the scene after Geoffrey Mason was shot dead by police in February 2020. Picture: Zak Simmonds

A coroner has found Tasmania Police was “fully justified” in shooting a man dead four years ago, saying the Brighton resident was “responsible for his own demise”.

Geoffrey Russell Mason, 38, died from a gunshot wound to the neck in February 2020 while three police officers were trying to detain him during a violent episode.

In her newly-published findings, Coroner Olivia McTaggart said Mr Mason’s sister and her husband had called police for urgent assistance to remove him from their home.

Ms McTaggart said Mr Mason had a long history of mental health issues, alcohol and substance abuse, and self-harm.

She also said he had a long history of interactions with Tasmania Police, having assaulted and threatened police in the past, including an instance where he threatened police with an axe – and had once taken part in a brutal three-person attack that left a victim with permanent neurological injuries.

Ms McTaggart said in the days leading up to his death, both Mr Mason’s sister and mother said his mental health had deteriorated and had become suicidal, with the pair taking him to hospital.

On the night in question, Mr Mason threatened relatives with a knife after he was accused of taking alcohol from them, and set his mattress on fire.

Tasmanian Police at the scene of the fatal shooting. Picture: Zak Simmonds

When police arrived at the semi-rural property on Tea Tree Road, Mr Mason rammed a Mitsubishi Outlander into the police vehicle, pushing it backwards.

He reversed back and then drove back towards the police officers, who were by this stage standing outside the vehicle, two with guns drawn.

Sergeant Brad Conyers fired 11 shots, all of which hit the Mitsubishi but not Mr Mason, while Constable Tim Mitchell fired five shots – two of which hit Mr Mason.

Emergency services arrived, but Mr Mason was declared deceased at the scene.

Ms McTaggart noted Mr Mason’s family held a “grave fear for their safety”, and said Mr Mason was highly intoxicated and “highly irrational”.

The police officers reported when they arrived that “black smoke and flames” had been coming out of the house and that “kids were screaming”, before the situation escalated dramatically.

Ms McTaggart said there could be “no legitimate criticism of the officers”, who believed that when they fired the shots, there was “imminent risk” of death or serious injury to themselves or others.

She found all three officers, including Constable Abu Chowdhury, who did not draw his firearm, acted appropriately and in accordance with their training.

“The strategies, actions and decision-making of the three officers involved in this incident were sound and responsive to the rapidly-escalating circumstances,” she said.

“Mr Mason had ample opportunity to submit to the process of lawful arrest but instead, was responsible for his own demise.”

Tasmanian Police Commissioner Donna Adams has commended the actions of the three police officers who attended the incident. Picture: Chris Kidd

Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams paid tribute to the three officers, saying they acted “professionally and courageously” in a “confronting, dynamic and rapidly-escalating incident”.

“No police officer wishes to be faced with the circumstances of that day. This was a tragic outcome for everyone involved and our thoughts and sympathies continue to be with Mr Mason’s family as well as everyone affected by this tragic incident.”

Follow @ambervwilson