MEDIA RELEASE

NICK XENOPHON M.L.C.

INDEPENDENT NO POKIES MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL  

29th July, 2004

CALL ON A-G TO ORDER CORONER’S INQUEST INTO KILLING BY MENTAL HEALTH PATIENT WITH ‘AGGRESSIVE REACTIONS’ 6 DAYS AFTER HIS DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL

TWIN BROTHER WON’T REST UNTIL HE GETS ANSWERS OVER BROTHER’S DEATH

The Attorney General Michael Atkinson will be asked to exercise his powers under The Coroner’s Act to order an inquest into the death of Michael Eldridge – killed on 16 April 2003 by a person who had been released 6 days earlier from a psychiatric ward of a public hospital.

The request has been made by David Eldridge, Michael’s twin brother on behalf of the family following the conclusion 2 days ago of the court case involving the defendant, Barry John Simper.

The defendant was found to be mentally incompetent and an Order made for life detention in psychiatric care (the defendant can apply for an early release if there has been a change in his mental condition).

In a letter to the Attorney General sent by No Pokies MLC Nick Xenophon who has been contacted by the family, the Attorney has been asked to use his power pursuant to Section 21 of the Coroner’s Act to order the inquest.

Mr Xenophon said:

“The family’s incalculable grief of the death of Michael has been compounded by the unanswered questions leading to the circumstances of his death.  A Coronial Inquest would be an important step to give the family the answers that they deserve.”

“Under Section 21 of the Coroner’s Act the Attorney General has the power to direct that a Coronial Inquest to take place into a particular death.  Given that this case goes to the heart of the state of the mental health system and the risk it can pose to public safety the Attorney General must act, not just for the sake of Michael’s family but for the broader public interest.”

Written and authorised by Nick Xenophon, 653 Lower North East Road, Paradise, SA 5075