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The burnt out shell of the Palmd Island watch house, which was destroyed in riots following the death of Murunji Doomadgee in November 2004. |
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Lawyer slams decision to clear Palm Island officer
Thursday, 30 November 2006
By Christine Flatley
PALM ISLAND, December 15, 2006: The lawyer for the alleged ringleader of the Palm Island riots has labelled the decision not to charge a senior police officer over a death in custody as "scandalous".
Deputy state coroner Christine Clements ruled in September that Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley struck Mulrunji Doomadgee, 36, causing fatal injuries during a scuffle at the Palm Island police station in November 2004.
But Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Leanne Clare said yesterday that no charges would be laid against Snr Sgt Hurley, after finding there was insufficient evidence to prove he was criminally responsible for Mulrunji's death.
"I've read the reasons that the DPP has given and I must say that I find it extraordinary that she's decided to disagree with the findings of the coroner, who gave a considered review of the medical evidence and came to a conclusion as to the cause of death," said Stewart Levitt, lawyer for the alleged riot ringleader Lex Wotton.
"Rather than leave the matter to a jury, the DPP has decided to ... reject the findings of the inquest without any judicial review having occurred."
Mr Levitt said he expected the Palm Island community would feel let down and upset over yesterday's decision.
"I think people will be mortified... I think they'll be very angry about it," he said. "It's scandalous."
Mr Levitt said Indigenous advocate service, the Errol Wyles Justice Foundation, would be commissioning a study next year into the Queensland legal system's treatment of Aboriginal people. - AAP
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