Deceased
Dean Withall
Demographics
30y, male
Coroner
Deputy State Coroner Iain West
Date of death
2008-08-14
Finding date
2009-12-01
Cause of death
Alcohol and drug toxicity
AI-generated summary
Dean Withall, aged 30, died from alcohol and drug toxicity following heroin injection combined with alcohol consumption. He had a long history of drug and alcohol abuse and was released from prison on parole four days before death. Despite engagement with his case manager on post-release support and rehabilitation programs completed in prison, he rapidly relapsed to using heroin and alcohol. The coroner found no evidence of intentional self-harm. Clinical lessons include the high vulnerability of individuals immediately post-release from custody, the rapid risk of relapse despite structured rehabilitation, and the importance of intensive monitoring and support in the critical early post-release period. Enhanced communication between correctional services, case management, and community health services may help identify and support high-risk individuals.
AI-generated summary — refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Drugs involved
Rule 60(1)
Court Reference: 3565 / 08
Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008
Inquest into the Death of Dean Withall
Delivered On: Delivered At: Hearing Dates: Findings of:
Place of death/Suspected death:
1 December, 2009 Melbourne
1" December, 2009
Deputy State Coroner West
492/106 Elizabeth Street, Richmond L/S/C K. Taylor
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Court Reference: 3565 / 08
FORM 37 Rule 60(1)
FINDING INTO DEATH WITH INQUEST Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008
In the Coroners Court of Victoria at Melbourne
I, Deputy State Coroner West having investigated the death of:
Details of deceased:
Sumame: Withall First name: Dean *Address: 11 Durham Court, Sommerville
AND having held an inquest in relation to this death on 1* December, 2009 at Melbourne find that the identity of the deceased was Dean Withall and the death occurred on or about 14% August, 2008 at 192/106 Elizabeth Street, Richmond from 1(a) Alcohol and drug toxicity
In the following circumstances:
Dean Withall, aged 30 years, had a history of drug and alcohol abuse over many yeats and was unemployed at the time of his death. Shortly prior to his death, Mr Withall had been serving a term of imprisonment at Langi Kal Kal prison and during which time he completed various drug rehabilitation programs. On the 4" August 2008, Mr Withall was released from prison under parole conditions, having earlier commenced pre and post release strategies with his allocated case manager, Ms Emma Bell. Housing was organized by Ms Bell and she had meetings with him on the 8" and 13" August with a view to finding employment.
During the afternoon of the 13" August, Mr Withall attended the Hughsdale premises of a long time friend, Ms Jane Howden, with both of them consuming alcohol and injecting heroin, before going to Richmond to buy more heroin and meet a friend. After obtaining the drug and playing poker machines in the area, all three attended the friend’s premises in Elizabeth Street, Richmond, where the heroin was injected before Mr Withall and Ms
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Howden went to sleep for the night. Shortly after 9.00am the following moming, Ms Howden woke to find Mr Withall lying cyanosed and unresponsive beside her.
Ambulance assistance was requested, however, following attendance and examination, it was clear that Dean Withall had been deceased for some time.
4, [formally find that Dean Withall died from the interaction of alcohol and drug toxicity and that the evidence does not support a finding that he intended to take his life.
Signature: ...
Date: 1st December, 2009
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