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Coroner Confirms Cocaine Toxicity in Perth Watch House Death, Faults Supervision

The report urges staffing and technology upgrades after declining to assign criminal responsibility.

Overview

  • Coroner Michael Jenkin confirmed Jamie Ginn, 50, died in custody from cocaine toxicity at the Perth Watch House on October 10, 2023.
  • The inquest could not determine how or when the drug was ingested, with a packaging-swallowing theory unsupported by post-mortem findings.
  • Supervision was deemed poor after the cells control officer failed to detect an apparent seizure for about 15 minutes during evening checks.
  • CPR began at 7:07pm, paramedics arrived at 7:13pm, and Ginn was declared dead at 8:05pm, with no finding that the absence of a nurse contributed.
  • Seven recommendations call for staffing reviews, consideration of mandatory body scanning, AI-assisted monitoring and equipment upgrades, and two nurses are now rostered at the facility.