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Officer suspended over Palm Island death breaks silence
Monday, 9 October 2006
9:47:50 AM
NATIONAL, October 9, 2006: The police sergeant blamed for the death of an Aboriginal man in police custody on Palm Island has broken his silence after being suspended from duties.
Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley has been suspended from the force with pay, Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said in a statement on Saturday 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.
In a written statement, Sgt Hurley said he had reluctantly agreed to temporarily stand aside pending the Director of Public Prosecutions' (DPP) review of the case.
He maintains the death was a tragic accident and denies any wrongdoing.
Sgt Hurley's lawyer, Glen Cranny, said his client approached the police chief and offered to stand aside.
"His view's that there's been a lot said, there's been a lot of public debate and lots of comments about the findings in respect of the inquest," Mr Cranny told ABC Radio.
"He just wants everyone to now take a step back and let the DPP do the job that she has to do."
Sgt Hurley had been restricted to desk duties at a Gold Coast police station as he awaited a decision from the DPP on whether to bring criminal charges.
Mr Atkinson confirmed the suspension came at Sgt Hurley's request.
"Mr Atkinson considered all aspects of the submission and decided to issue a notice of suspension from all police duties with pay in relation to Sgt Hurley," the statement said.
"It is anticipated that this notice will be served this weekend and will take affect immediately upon service."
Mulrunji Doomadgee died after being arrested by Sgt Hurley almost two years ago.
Unrest following the death sparked a riot, resulting in the island's police complex being burned to the ground.
There had been repeated public calls for Sgt Hurley to be stood down following the coroner's findings. – AAP
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