Coroner's Finding: Catto, Simon Anthony

MAGISTRATES COURT of TASMANIA

CORONIAL DIVISION Record of Investigation into Death (Without Inquest) Coroners Act 1995 Coroners Rules 2006 Rule 11 I, Simon Cooper, Coroner, having investigated the death of Simon Anthony Catto Find, pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Coroners Act 1995, that a) The identity of the deceased is Simon Anthony Catto; b) Mr Catto died as a result of injuries sustained by him as rider in a single vehicle motor cycle crash a motorcycle accident. At the time of the crash, Mr Catto was disqualified from holding a Tasmanian Driver Licence. Significant quantities of both methylamphetamine and cannabis were present in his body at the time of his death.

Excessive speed was also a factor in the happening of the crash. No other person was involved in Mr Catto’s death; c) The cause of Mr Catto’s death was head, chest, and spinal injuries.; and d) Mr Catto died, aged 33 years, on 7 April 2022 at Osprey Road, Claremont, Tasmania.

In making the above findings I have had regard to the evidence gained in the comprehensive investigation into Mr Catto’s death. The evidence includes:  Police Report of death for the Coroner;  Affidavits establishing identity;  Report – Dr Andrew Reid, Forensic Pathologist;  Report – Forensic Science Service Tasmania;  Medical Records – Amiens Clinic;  Medical Records – Tasmanian Health Service;  Affidavit – Naomi Coleman;  Affidavit – Luke Bosworth;  Affidavit – Shane Reed;  Affidavit – Lynette Felmingham;  Affidavit – Elizabeth McMillan; and

 Affidavits, photographs and body worn camera footage of attending and investigating police.

Mr Catto died when he lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and crashed. Significant quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis were found in his body following toxicological analysis of samples taken at autopsy. The evidence indicates that he was both disqualified and speeding. No one else was involved in the crash which caused his death.

There is some doubt as to whether or not he was wearing a motorcycle helmet at the time of the crash. Unfortunately, the investigating officer did not seize a helmet that was found near the scene of the crash and the helmet was subsequently destroyed before it could be subject to forensic analysis.

Comments and Recommendations The circumstances of Mr Catto’s death are not such as to require me to make any comments or recommendations pursuant to Section 28 of the Coroners Act 1995. I do observe that it is important for investigating officers to ensure that all the relevant evidence in cases the subject of the Coronial investigation are seized for forensic analysis if required.

Dated: 3 April 2023 at Hobart in the State of Tasmania.

Simon Cooper Coroner