QLD:Death in custody man passed health check

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2011
QLD:Death in custody man passed health check

Eds: Changes keyword from Custody



By Evan Schwarten

BRISBANE, April 19 AAP - A man who died after being found unconscious in a cell at
a north Queensland watchhouse had been medically assessed by ambulance officers before
being placed in custody.

Herbert Mitchell, 50, of Mareeba, died in Townsville Hospital around midnight on Monday.

Townsville police arrested him for drunkenness after he allegedly caused a disturbance
at the Castletown Shopping Centre around 11.30am (AEST) on Sunday.

He was taken to an alcohol diversionary centre to sleep off the effects of the alcohol
but was removed at the request of staff due to his aggressive behaviour.

Police then took Mr Mitchell to the city's watchhouse but the Queensland Police Union
says officers there were concerned by his state and refused to accept him until his health
had been assessed by ambulance officers.

After a thorough medical examination, Queensland Ambulance Service officers advised
watchhouse staff he was in a suitable condition to be placed in custody, a union spokesman
said.

He was placed in a cell, but ambulance officers were called again at 3.30pm (AEST)
after watchhouse officers noticed he wasn't breathing.

QAS officers revived Mr Mitchell at the scene and took him to the Townsville Hospital,
where he later died.

Police Union President Ian Leavers said all officers involved had behaved appropriately.

"The union stands by all police and watchhouse officers involved in this matter," he said.

"They all acted appropriately and admirably."

Officers from Police Ethical Standards Command flew to Townsville on Sunday to investigate
the incident and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

A QAS spokeswoman said they were unable to comment because the matter was before the coroner.

AAP ews/crh/jlw

KEYWORD: MITCHELL (CHANGING KEYWORD)

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.