Latest news with #policecustody
The Guardian
2 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Call for independent inquiry into NT death in custody; surprise One Nation Senate win; and a giant teddy
Good afternoon. An independent investigator must be appointed to investigate the death of a Warlpiri man in Northern Territory police custody, his family says, and the footage leading up to his death released. The 24-year-old man with disabilities from Yuendumu died on Tuesday afternoon after police restrained him in an Alice Springs supermarket. A letter sent to the acting NT police commissioner on behalf of the man's grandfather, Warlpiri elder Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves, also asked police to 'immediately cease making public statements or media briefings that speculate on the cause of death or denigrate the character of the deceased'. The man's death came just days before the expected coronial inquest findings into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, also from Yuendumu, who was shot and killed by police officer Zachary Rolfe. The release of the findings is planned for 10 June, but may be delayed because of this latest death. One Nation picks up four Senate spots, with surprise NSW seat for former British soldier Warwick Stacey Alleged attack on Chinese couple leads 30,000 people to sign petition to toughen Australian youth crime laws RFK Jr's 'Maha' report found to contain citations to nonexistent studies Hong Kong releases second group of democrats jailed for four years in national security trial Faizan Zaki, 13, rebounds from stunning gaffe to win National Spelling Bee crown Comment | If the horrors unfolding in Gaza are not a red line for Australia to take stronger action then I don't know what is | David Pocock A giant teddy, a Scrub Daddy and a moving meditation on war – Ramsay art prize 2025 finalists, in pictures The $100,000 award is Australia's richest art prize for artists under 40, with finalists exhibited at the Art Gallery of South Australia until 31 August. Here's a selection. 'As my very wise mother would say: 'Stop your nonsense, chin up, chest out, straighten your tiara and let's get on with the job.'' The Liberal senator Jane Hume said she was hurt both professionally and personally after being demoted from shadow cabinet to the backbench this week under the newly re-formed Coalition. Hume went on to say that, despite her feelings, she would support Sussan Ley's leadership and work to 'win back the hearts and minds and votes of Australians'. While many are trying to manage paying high rents or mortgages during a cost-of-living crisis, it's a different story at the story at the top end of town. The country's 200 largest fortunes collectively leapt 6.9% in the past year, according to the AFR rich list. Gina Rinehart has kept the top spot for the sixth year in a row – while her net worth has lost 6%, it still sits at a staggering $38.11bn. Sign up to Afternoon Update Our Australian afternoon update breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion 'The noises you make every day fill me with disgust. Now I'm not afraid to tell you' 'Misophonia has clearly been with me forever. But I'm ready to start the conversation,' writes Rebecca Shaw. Today's starter word is: BREE. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply. Enjoying the Afternoon Update? Then you'll love our Morning Mail newsletter. Sign up here to start the day with a curated breakdown of the key stories you need to know, and complete your daily news roundup. And follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland. If you have a story tip or technical issue viewing this newsletter, please reply to this email. If you are a Guardian supporter and need assistance with regards to contributions and/or digital subscriptions, please email
The Guardian
2 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Family of Warlpiri man who died after being restrained by police in supermarket demand independent inquiry
An independent investigator must be appointed to examine the death of a Warlpiri man in police custody, family members say, while also demanding video footage be released. The 24-year-old man with disabilities from Yuendemu died on Tuesday afternoon after police restrained him in an Alice Springs supermarket. His family wants Northern Territory police to 'immediately cease making public statements or media briefings that speculate on the cause of death or denigrate the character of the deceased'. They have also asked the force to retract any statements already made 'where they suggest criminality or aggression on the part of the deceased in the absence of any finding by a court or coroner or other independent investigation'. Solicitor George Newhouse has written to the police's acting commissioner Martin Dole on behalf of Warlpiri elder Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves, who is the 24-year-old's grandfather. The family stated that NT police should 'appoint an independent body from another state or territory to undertake … investigations in a culturally safe manner'. The letter said police should also immediately provide 'all relevant CCTV and body-worn camera footage involving the deceased prior to and during his time in custody'. NT police on Friday rejected the call for an independent investigation. 'I respectfully reject calls for the investigation to be handed to an external body,' Dole said in a statement. 'This incident is being investigated by our major crime division, which operates under strict protocols and with full transparency. The investigation will also be independently reviewed by the NT coroner.' NT police did not respond on Friday to calls for footage to be released. Hargraves and others met at the Coles on Friday to remember Kumanjayi – a substitute name for someone who has died – and to demand justice. 'I am devastated by the death of my Jaja [grandson], another Warlpiri man who has had his life taken at the hands of the NT police,' Hargraves said. The man's death came days before coronial inquest findings were due after the 2019 death of Kumanjayi Walker, who was shot and killed by police officer Zachary Rolfe. The findings, due to be released on 10 June, could be delayed because of this week's death. Sign up to Morning Mail Our Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Police said there was a confrontation between the 24-year-old and a security guard about 1.10pm in the Alice Springs supermarket. The man had been 'placing items down the front of his clothing', police alleged. The NT police assistant commissioner Travis Wurst said on Tuesday the man 'behaved rather aggressively and was placed on to the ground' by police officers. 'He was later identified as losing consciousness,' Wurst said. The man stopped breathing and was given CPR before being taken to Alice Springs hospital. He was pronounced dead about 2.20pm. The Indigenous Australians minister, Malarndirri McCarthy, said on Friday that an independent investigation 'may be warranted'. 'It may be important to do that,' she told ABC radio. McCarthy said on Thursday that misinformation and rumours 'often abound in these circumstances' and that compounded grief and anger for families. Anthony Beven, from the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), supported the camera footage being released to stop 'rumours and innuendo'. 'The footage will be disclosed at the coronial inquiry but, as Mr Hargraves and the family were saying, the longer it goes without people seeing that footage, the more thoughts are going through people's minds as to what happened or didn't happen,' he said. 'For the sake of transparency and alleviating any concerns the family has around what occurred, NAAJA fully supports the CCTV and body cam footage being released publicly – and if not to the public, at least to the family.' Indigenous Australians can call 13YARN on 13 92 76 for information and crisis support; or call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
ABC News
2 days ago
- General
- ABC News
NT police rule out independent investigation into Alice Springs death in custody
NT police have rejected calls for an independent investigation into the death of an Aboriginal man in police custody after being restrained at an Alice Springs supermarket this week. The 24-year-old from Yuendumu — who is yet to be named by family — died on Tuesday after he was restrained by NT police officers following an altercation with a supermarket security guard. One eye witness told the ABC the restraint "looked pretty violent". On Wednesday Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said he would lead the investigation and "provide oversight" along with NT Police's Professional Standards Command, separately to the coronial investigation. There have been calls from advocates, including Amnesty International, for the investigation to be conducted independently from NT police to "ensure impartiality and to maintain public confidence in the process". Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said on Thursday an independent investigation into the man's death could be the best path forward. Senator McCarthy said the people of Yuendumu had already experienced "many traumas", and that wounds were reopened this week. She said the best way to navigate the complex issues at play may be to take the investigation out of the Northern Territory police's hands. Ms McCarthy did not suggest which agency should investigate instead, saying that decision would lie with NT Chief Minister and Police Minister Lia Finocchiaro. "I am calling on her to recognise the tensions that do exist, that I've certainly heard from family members, but also are very aware of the difficulties for members of the police force as well," she said. Amid a vigil in Alice Springs that saw hundreds of mourners gather to give speeches and grieve the young man's death, NT police released a statement on behalf of Acting Commissioner Martin Dole, who said he "respectfully" rejects calls for an independent investigation. "The Northern Territory Police Force acknowledges the tragic death of a 24-year-old man in Alice Springs on Tuesday," the statement said. "On behalf of NT police, I extend sincere condolences to his family, friends and community. "I contacted both officers directly involved in the incident on Tuesday evening, and I understand the high level of public interest in this matter. Some of the speakers at the vigil in Alice Springs on Friday had echoed calls for the independent investigation. The acting commissioner said the incident would continue to be investigated by the major crime division. He said the unit "operates under strict protocols and with full transparency". "The investigation will also be independently reviewed by the NT Coroner, who has broad powers to examine all aspects of the incident and make findings without interference." The acting commissioner said he had met with Senator McCarthy, conveying his "complete confidence in the systems of oversight".
ABC News
2 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Mourners gather for vigil in Alice Springs after death of Warlpiri man in police custody
The family of a 24-year-old Warlpiri man who died in police custody in Alice Springs this week has called for mourners to gather "in solidarity" to pay their respects. The 24-year-old from Yuendumu died on Tuesday after he was restrained by NT police officers following an altercation with a supermarket security guard. NT police say the man was placing items down the front of his clothing at the Coles supermarket in Alice Springs, when he was confronted by security guards. Two police officers in plain clothes were in the supermarket at the time and restrained the man. One eye witness told the ABC the restraint "looked pretty violent". "I think he may have swung at the security guard but I don't know if he actually hit him," another eye witness told the ABC. "Then I saw a bald man in a grey hoodie come up behind him and wrapped his arms around his torso in like a bear hug. "And then there was a bit of a tussle as he was trying to bring him to ground." The man was taken to Alice Springs Hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy on Wednesday found the man's cause of death "undetermined". NT Police Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst has said that preliminary result would require "further investigation to provide any substantive cause of death". The grandfather of the 24-year-old, Warlpiri elder Ned Hargraves, has helped organise the vigil. "I am devastated by the death of my Jaja (grandson), another Warlpiri man who has had his life taken at the hands of the NT police," a statement posted on his behalf by the @justiceforwalker_ Instagram account. "I will be going to pay my respects for my Jaja tomorrow at midday, at the location he was taken from us. "Please join me in solidarity, to mourn, to remember him, and to give me strength."
ABC News
4 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Detainee waited alone in police cell for 'critical' 41 minutes after officers decided to call ambulance
A coroner has recommended a police officer be physically present with a detainee at all times while waiting for an ambulance after a man was left alone in his cell and deteriorated during a "critical 41-minute" period. The recommendation was made after an inquest into the death of an Adelaide man heard that after deciding emergency care was required, an officer arranged a police escort before calling for an ambulance. In her findings, South Australia Coroner Sally Giles noted Duy Ngoc Pham, 35, was considered a "high need detainee requiring medical attention" before he suffered a cardiac arrest in a police cell at Elizabeth, in Adelaide's north, and later died in hospital. He had been arrested after he was found semi-conscious and slumped over the steering wheel of a car parked at a service station on Thursday, April 18, 2019. Mr Pham was taken to hospital and diagnosed as suffering opioid toxicity and experiencing drug withdrawal, before being deemed fit for release into police custody. He was taken to the Elizabeth Police Station Cell Complex and charged with trafficking in a controlled drug and driving dangerously to escape police pursuit over an earlier incident. He was refused police bail, and because it was the Easter weekend, was remanded in the cells at Elizabeth to await his first court appearance which would have occurred on the following Tuesday, April 23, 2019. Due to his diagnosed drug withdrawal, Mr Pham was assessed as "presenting a high level of risk" and placed in an observation cell. While detained, he was returned to hospital due to concerns about his health, and was again deemed fit for custody and discharged and returned to a police observation cell. In her findings, Ms Giles noted Mr Pham's condition deteriorated further in the early hours of April 21, 2019, and he was observed "howling and guarding his stomach". He was also seen twice falling in his cell. Ms Giles noted that after the first fall at 4.19am officers had "agreed Mr Pham needed to be returned to hospital", but an ambulance was not called until 4.38am, after a police escort was first arranged. Ms Giles said CCTV of Mr Pham's cell indicated his breathing appeared "rapid" and he appeared "noticeably uncomfortable". "I find that SAAS should have been contacted earlier than 4:38am; SAAS should have been contacted shortly after 4:19am," she said in the findings. Ms Giles said the officer had called the non-urgent number, rather than triple-0, and when the ambulance officers attended at about 5am, he had stopped breathing and was "found to be in cardiac arrest". "Earlier ambulance attendance may have led to a more favourable outcome for Mr Pham," Ms Giles said. During that time, she said Mr Pham was monitored remotely, but no one was in in the cell with him which "may have contributed to the failure to recognise his deterioration". "Consistent physical presence could have increased the likelihood of noticing signs of decline," Ms Giles said. She said it was later discovered that while Mr Pham was suffering from withdrawals, he was also suffering from an undiagnosed duodenal ulcer — a sore in the lining of the small intestine — which "may have subsequently been exacerbated by narcotic withdrawal" and had perforated. Ms Giles noted that an expert had told the inquest it was "impossible to be certain about the timing" of the perforation. In her findings, Ms Giles noted SA Police had made some changes to their custody management practices, but recommended a further update that police make it a "requirement that an officer be physically present in the cell with the detainee at all times while awaiting an ambulance". She further recommended it be "abundantly clear that for a high need detainee requiring medical assessment, an ambulance must be called immediately, and nothing need occur before that", including arrangements for a police escort. An SA Police spokesperson said "a number of changes" had been made to custody management practices since Mr Pham's death. "SAPOL will also give further consideration to the two recommendations made during the Inquest," the spokesperson said.
