I WAS disappointed to hear the coroner allowed cameras into the inquest of the young Brazilian man who died whilst police were attempting to arrest him in Sydney in March.
Not only was that a shock but the inquest allowed a tribute to the young man to be shown in the court.
This was a tragic occurrence that cost a young man his life.
Inquests are not run on emotions, they are an inquiry into the facts and what caused the death of a person.
The inquest heard the man was delusional on LSD, he was extremely strong, he was panicking, he was sweating profusely and he was running to avoid apprehension. All of these factors were in play when police attempted to make an arrest.
Could it have been carried out better?
Sitting back now and breaking it down, the answer is probably “Yes”. But when this occurred the officers did not have the luxury of time. They had seconds to act, make a decision and carry it out.
Do not judge the police until you have been in that same situation. It is very easy to say they should have done this, they should have done that, but when you are not there, it is best not to judge.
Many years ago two American males high on PCP or angel dust, were shot numerous times by police. They still managed to shoot and kill police officers. It was the drugs that kept these two men going.
As far as the coroner allowing the cameras in and the testimonial, it is another case of two sets of rules. If it was another person, the cameras would not have been allowed.
One very good message has come from this tragedy, stay away from drugs.
No drug, no death, is my assessment.
MARK HAMLIN
TAMWORTH
