Inquest into the Death of simon John SHARPE

Inquest into the Death of Simon John SHARPE

Delivered on : 2 December 2020

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Linton

Recommendations : N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : At the time of his death Mr Sharpe was a sentenced prisoner serving a prison term. He died at Fiona Stanley Hospital on 30 June 2017 after a period of declining health.

Prior to sentencing Mr Sharpe had been diagnosed as suffering from a chronic, incurable lung condition, known as idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, which reduced the capacity of his lungs and reduced his life expectancy. He had been suffering from the respiratory illness since 2012. Mr Sharpe’s disease was incurable and his median survival, without transplantation was estimated at about five years. He had not been placed on the transplant waiting list at the time of his imprisonment for a number of reasons.

Mr Sharpe’s condition deteriorated while in prison, despite receiving access to oxygen therapy and a CPAP machine. He was treated at Fiona Stanley Hospital and then cared for in the infirmary of Casuarina Prison until his last admission to Fiona Stanley Hospital on 27 June 2017. Prison nursing staff had responded to a cell call and found Mr Sharpe in respiratory distress with very low oxygen levels. Mr Sharpe was transferred to FSH by ambulance and admitted to hospital and his family were notified. Mr Sharpe’s condition continued to deteriorate and died in hospital on 30 June 2017.

While Mr Sharpe raised concerns about his care while in prison, the Coroner did not find any evidence in support. The Coroner was satisfied Mr Sharpe received medical care so the same standard he would have received in the community.

Catch Words : Death in Custody : Treatment, supervision and Care : Natural Causes

Last updated: 24-Dec-2020

[ back to top ]

Downloads

Inquest Finding (PDF)