Western Australia records its third Indigenous prison death in just two months

A man has died in prison in Western Australia's north, becoming the third Aboriginal person to die in custody in WA over the past two months.

A 2016 photo of a cell in Roebourne Regional Prison in Western Australia.

A 2016 photo of a cell in Roebourne Regional Prison in Western Australia. Source: Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services

Western Australia has recorded its third Aboriginal death in custody in less than two months after a prisoner in the state's north took his own life.

Authorities have confirmed the 47-year-old man was found dead in his cell at Roebourne Regional Prison on Wednesday.

"The Aboriginal man was discovered unconscious in his six-person dormitory cell this morning by prison officers," the Department of Justice said in a statement.

"Efforts by prison medical staff and paramedics to revive him were unsuccessful.

"Local police have attended the prison. There does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances."
The man's death will be subject to an inquest and an internal review of the incident will be conducted, the department said.

Corrective Services Commissioner Tony Hassall will travel to Roebourne on Wednesday and has offered his condolences to the man's family.

"Support will be offered to the family of the prisoner and other prisoners at the site," the department said.

"In responding to this Indigenous death in custody, the department will seek cultural advice from community elders."

The latest death in custody comes after a 19-year-old man at Acacia Prison, run by private contractor Serco, took his own life earlier in July.

A 40-year-old Indigenous man was found collapsed at Acacia in June.

Thirteen Aboriginal prisoners and 29 non-Aboriginal prisoners have died in custody since July 2017 according to figures provided by the Department of Justice.

The Aboriginal deaths included three suicides, one murder and one where authorities were unable to determine whether the cause was natural.

The remaining eight were from natural causes.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25). 

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2 min read
Published 29 July 2020 6:18pm
Updated 29 July 2020 7:24pm
Source: AAP


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