Coroner's Finding: Glover, Gerald Samual

MAGISTRATES COURT of TASMANIA

CORONIAL DIVISION Record of Investigation into Death (With Inquest) Coroners Act 1995 Coroners Rules 2006 Rule 11 I, Olivia McTaggart, Coroner, having investigated the death of Gerald Samual Glover with an inquest held in Hobart on 22 March 2019 Find, pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Coroners Act 1995, that: a) The identity of the deceased is Gerald Samual Glover; b) Mr Glover died of natural causes in the circumstances described below; c) The cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy, with emphysema being a contributing factor; and d) Mr Glover died on 18 September 2018 at Hobart, Tasmania.

In this finding I have had regard to the exhibits tendered at inquest being the police report of death; affidavits of identification and life extinct; opinion of the State Forensic Pathologist; opinion of the coronial medical consultant regarding the care and treatment of Mr Glover; court documentation and correspondence; and medical records.

Mr Glover was born in Tasmania on 13 September 1948 and was aged 70 years at his death. He was raised in Bushy Park along with nine brothers and sisters.

Mr Glover spent some time in the military before meeting his wife and eventually moving back to Tasmania. Mr and Mrs Glover had four children together and Mr Glover remained living in the Bushy Park and New Norfolk area after the death of his wife.

Mr Glover suffered from type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was a heavy smoker. In 2017 he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and was considered to have severe heart failure in his left ventricular artery.

On 19 April 2018, Mr Glover was arrested on eleven complaints alleging indecent assault, aggravated sexual assault and rape against people aged

seventeen years or younger. He was held in custody at the Hobart Remand Centre before being transferred to the inpatient section of Risdon Prison the following day. The evidence indicates that, due to his medical conditions, his life expectancy was short at that time.

On 4 May 2018 Mr Glover was committed to trial on the charges.

Whilst in custody Mr Glover received ongoing care and treatment in relation to his severe health issues. An echocardiogram performed on 30 July 2018 revealed that he had end stage heart failure. On 16 September 2018 Mr Glover was transferred from the inpatient section of the Prison to the Royal Hobart Hospital suffering from decompensated heart failure with dyspnoea and abdominal distension. His prognosis was very poor. A decision was made to provide Mr Glover with end of life care.

On 18 September 2018 Mr Glover was granted bail by the Supreme Court. This was granted solely to facilitate private family time with Mr Glover as it was clear that he would imminently die. He died a short time later on the same day.

On 19 September 2018 an autopsy was performed upon Mr Glover by State Forensic Pathologist, Dr Christopher Lawrence. In Dr Lawrence’s opinion the cause of Mr Glover’s death was dilated cardiomyopathy with emphysema as a contributing factor. I accept Dr Lawrence’s opinion as to the cause of death.

Comments and Recommendations Being the subject of a bail order, Mr Glover was not, by virtue of the definition under section 3 of the Coroners Act 1995, a person who died ‘in custody’.

Nevertheless, given that he was reliant upon the care and treatment provided by the State in the months prior to his death, I deemed it appropriate to hold an inquest and to examine the adequacy of that care and treatment.

A review of the care and treatment provided to Mr Glover by Correctional Primary Health and subsequently in the Royal Hobart Hospital was performed by Dr Anthony Bell, coronial medical consultant. I accept the opinion of Dr Bell, who concluded that there were no deficits or criticism of the care Mr Glover received while in custody. It appears, in fact, that the good quality of healthcare received by Mr Glover may have extended his life. In these circumstances there is no need for me to make any further comment or recommendations.

I convey my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr Glover.

Dated: 22 March 2019 at Hobart Coroners Court in the State of Tasmania.

Olivia McTaggart Coroner