Brief
Victoria Police apologise after man died in custody
The police said the 58‑year‑old died after a delay in ambulance arrival and a failure to recognise a brain injury.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Victoria Police issued an apology after the death of 58‑year‑old John Makai, who was left unresponsive in a Broadmeadows holding cell for several hours following a family dispute in Sunbury. The apology came after a coroner’s court hearing on Monday, which reviewed CCTV and body‑cam footage of the incident. Makai had been involved in an altercation with his son, Terewa, after both had consumed alcohol. Police arrived at the home at 12.11am on 10 September 2023, found Makai and his son injured, and called for paramedics. A dispatcher later informed officers that ambulance crews were busy, leading to a delay. Makai was carried into a police station, where he remained motionless for about four hours before dying. The court heard that Makai’s condition may have been a developing brain injury rather than a drunken sleep. Police have acknowledged the failure to act swiftly and have apologised for the outcome.
Key facts
- John Makai died after being left unresponsive in a Broadmeadows cell for hours (smh.com.au)
- Police called for paramedics at 12.11am but were told crews were busy (smh.com.au)
- CCTV and body‑cam footage showed Makai carried into a holding cell at 1.15am (smh.com.au)
- Police apologised following the coroner’s court hearing on Monday (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Coroner’s Court: Victoria Police apologises over death of man in custody”
