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Victoria Coroner Criticizes Police Failures in Noeline Dalzell's Murder Case

The coroner's report highlights systemic issues in handling family violence cases, urging reforms after Dalzell was killed by her released ex-partner.

  • Noeline Dalzell was murdered by her ex-partner, James Fairhall, in February 2020, shortly after his early release from prison.
  • Victoria's state coroner found that police and agencies failed to protect Dalzell, missing opportunities to intervene before her death.
  • Fairhall breached a family violence intervention order, but police failed to execute an arrest warrant issued after he visited Dalzell's home.
  • The coroner recommended notifying victims within 48 hours of an abuser's release and improving communication between police and agencies.
  • Dalzell's children, who witnessed the murder, were commended for their bravery, while the coroner called for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
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