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Police officer at centre of Palm Island death finally suspended
Sunday, 8 October 2006
11:31:05 AM
PALM ISLAND, QLD, Oct 8, 2006: The officer blamed for the death of an Aboriginal man in police custody on Palm Island has finally been suspended from duties, Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson says.
Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley will be suspended from all police duties with pay, Mr Atkinson said in a statement last night.
Deputy state coroner Christine Clements last week ruled Sgt Hurley caused the death of 35-year-old Mulrunji Doomadgee in police custody on Palm Island on November 19, 2004.
She ruled the officer had struck Mulrunji several times before police left the man in a holding cell where he died.
Mulrunji was so badly beaten his liver was "cleaved in two". He died from internal bleeding within an hour of being arrested by Snr Sgt Hurley.
Sgt Hurley had been restricted to desk duties at a Gold Coast police station as he awaits a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions on whether to bring criminal charges.
The decision not to immediately suspend Snr Sgt Hurley, whose testimony to the inquest was described as "untruthful" on numerous fronts, sparked widespread outrage among Aboriginal leaders. Regardless, the decision received the support of Queensland Premier Peter Beattie.
A decision on whether or not charges will be laid against the officer is still pending. - with AAP.
• SEE ALSO: Officer suspended over Palm Island death breaks silence [click on related link below].
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=7981
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