Second Doomadgee inquest begins
08.03.2010
TODAY on Palm Island coroner Brian Hine begins hearing evidence in an attempt to resolve one of the most controversial black deaths in custody -- that of Mulrunji Doomadgee.
On November 19, 2004, Doomadgee, a fit, slim 36-year old, was walking on a back street swinging a bucket with a live mud crab in it and singing Who Let the Dogs Out when he encountered Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley and Aboriginal police liaison officer Lloyd Bengaroo arresting a man.
Doomadgee commented, using profanities, to Mr Bengaroo that he should be ashamed of being involved in the arrest of a fellow Aborigine.
Sergeant Hurley arrested Doomadgee, put him in the back of a paddy wagon and drove him the short distance to the watch-house.
Evidence was given that when being taken from the police vehicle, Doomadgee struck the much taller and heavier policeman in the face. A struggle ensued and he and Sergeant Hurley ended up on the concrete floor.
When Sergeant Hurley rose, Doomadgee was still. Sergeant Hurley and another officer dragged Doomadgee into a cell. Less than an hour later, he was dead.
On September 27, 2006, acting coroner Christine Clements found Sergeant Hurley had caused the fatal injuries.
In June 2007, a Townsville jury found Sergeant Hurley not guilty of manslaughter.
Several court actions followed. Queensland's Court of Appeal set aside Ms Clements's finding and ordered evidence be reheard by another coroner to establish how Doomadgee had died.
