Qld: Police union not surprised by DPP's findings

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2006
Qld: Police union not surprised by DPP's findings

The Queensland Police Union says it's not surprised that a policeman blamed over the
death in custody of a Palm Island man has been cleared.

Deputy state coroner CHRISTINE CLEMENTS found in September that Senior Sergeant Chris
Hurley struck 36-year-old MULRUNJI DOOMADGEE .. causing fatal injuries.

The incident happened during a scuffle at the Palm Island police station in November 2004.

But Director of Public Prosecutions LEANNE CLARE today said no charges will be laid
against Senior Sergeant HURLEY.

She says there's insufficient evidence to prove he was criminally responsible for MULRUNJI'S
death.

The police union's vice president DENIS FITZPATRICK says the union has always believed
in Senior Sergeant HURLEY'S innocence .. and today's announcement has vindicated that
position.

He says the union will now support a review of the coroner's findings in the District Court.

AAP RTV rm/pjo/wz/ibw

KEYWORD: MULRUNJI UNION (BRISBANE)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.