After two police officers killed a drunk Australian Postal employee in Lake Macquarie, NSW, it was confirmed that the man, who was shot dead, would have little impact on social security.
The police said they "had no choice"! But this argument was not acceptable to the relatives of the deceased.
In September 2015, the 51-year-old postal worker, Stephen Hodge, was shot dead on the spot by police who rushed to the scene, waving a knife at the post staff after being drunk.
On Friday, New State coroner Teresa O\ x {e16c} 39 Sullivan presented his findings in court and commented on the case, suggesting that the new state police could arrange more professional training to facilitate better handling of mental patients in crisis situations.
"in a crisis situation, it is also difficult for the police to plan and discover all the information they need in a limited period of time, especially with regard to the mental health of the suspect." Detective Chief Inspector David LaidlawDavid Laidlaw, who investigated the incident, also issued a statement out of court, saying the case was a tragedy and had a very bad impact on the community.
When Stephen Hodge was killed, he was not only drunk, but also extracted antidepressants in his body. When the police arrived, he was agitated, trying to self-harm himself and waving a knife like a police officer.
Prosecutors also suspected that, Stephen Hodge was suicidal and wanted to end his life by inciting the police. But Janet Hodge, Stephen Hodge`s mother, said it was totally unacceptable. "Why are you doing this?" He won`t hurt anyone. Why do you have to kill him? "
The incident has done great harm to the 79-year-old Janet Hodge, who declined to attend the inquiry or provide a statement.
