Deceased
Lolesio Smith
Demographics
male
Date of death
2006-02-27
Finding date
2010-05-07
Cause of death
Self-inflicted gunshot injury to the head
AI-generated summary
Lolesio Smith died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head sustained during a police response to a domestic dispute on 26 February 2006. He was transported to Canberra Hospital and died on 27 February 2006. The coroner's examination found no issues of clinical concern or requiring medical intervention examination. The death resulted from the immediate traumatic injury, and the finding focuses on the circumstances rather than preventable medical factors. Police conduct was deemed appropriate. No clinical lessons or opportunities for medical intervention were identified in this case.
AI-generated summary — refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
IN THE CORONER’S COURT ) CD 56 OF 2006 AT CANBERRA IN THE ) AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY ) INQUEST INTO THE DEATH OF LOLESIO SMITH REPORT OF FINDINGS Coram: Coroner J D Burns Date: 7 May 2010 FINDINGS: The deceased was Lolesio Smith. He died at the Canberra Hospital on 27 February 2006. The cause of death was self-inflicted gunshot injury to the head.
This is a coronial hearing commenced by the former Chief Coroner. The evidence establishes that the deceased died on 27 February 2006. The evidence is very clear as to the identity of the deceased, and the manner and cause of his death.
The former Chief Coroner determined to conduct a hearing into the death. This hearing took place on 15 March 2007. Apparently, no person sought leave to appear on the hearing except Ms Margaret Hunter of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions who appeared as counsel assisting the coroner. The former Chief Coroner heard evidence from the investigating officer, Detective Constable Swain, through whom the brief of evidence was tendered. The former Chief Coroner then reserved his decision in the matter, but did not publish his findings or any reasons before he retired in November 2009. On behalf of the court I express my regrets to the family of the deceased for the delay in concluding this matter.
The evidence clearly establishes that the deceased was Lolesio Smith. He died on 27 February 2006 at the Canberra Hospital. The cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot injury to the head.
The evidence establishes that the deceased was a resident of [redacted] Crescent Turner in the ACT. Police were called to that residence on the morning of 26 February 2006 because of a domestic dispute at those premises. When police arrived they spoke to the wife of the deceased who complained that the deceased had assaulted her, and requested assistance in removing the deceased from the house. Police spoke to both the deceased and his wife to attempt to ascertain what had happened. As the process continued, the deceased walked out of the premises and produced an improvised firearm, described as a ‘pen gun’. Police attempted to convince the deceased to drop the weapon, but he placed the weapon against his head and discharged it.
I certify that the preceding 6 paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Decision herein by Chief Coroner J D Burns
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