Cops behaved with 'pack mentality'

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 15 November 2012 | 00.04

Brazilian tourist Roberto Laudisio Curti in undated image from his Facebook website, who died after being tasered by NSW Police on Pitt Street in Sydney. Source: Supplied

POLICE involved in the struggle with Brazilian student Roberto Laudisio Curti behaved with an "ungoverned pack mentality" like schoolboys from Lord of the Flies, a coroner found this morning.

NSW State Coroner Mary Jerram delivered a series of scathing findings today following a two-week inquest into the 21-year-old's death, which happened after police repeatedly tasered the young man following a chase through the city streets.

Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione this afternoon said all the coroner's recommendations would immediately be adopted - although the police involved in the incident remained on duty pending disciplinary proceedings.

"The (coroner's) report is quite scathing - that is the reality," he said.

WARNING: Distressing and graphic content Please note: The Curti family have approved the public release of this footage.

"Clearly, there are opportunities for us to improve on what happened on that night."

Mr Curti was stunned nine times with the weapon during a struggle with up to seven officers in the Sydney CBD early on March 18.

Ms Jerram recommended five officers involved in the melee be considered of disciplinary charges - although she stopped short of calling for a criminal investigation against any of the parties.

The family of Roberto Curti, who died in Sydney after being tasered by police, at Glebe Coroner's Court. Sisters Fernanda Laudisio and Ana Laudisio, and Domingos Laudisio, Roberto's Uncle. Picture: Attila Szilvasi

"While it probable that those combined actions (of police) were the primary factors leading to Roberto's death, without a clear finding as to cause, the death could not be sheeted home to any or all of those actions," she said.

No definite cause of his death has been found, although the inquest was told he may have choked while he was being restrained face-down on the footpath.

Police Taser use has been ruled out as directly causing the fatality, but it may have contributed to his vulnerable state.

A coroner will deliver the findings of a Brazilian man who was tasered to death by police in Sydney.

Ms Jerram singled out the actions of several police for particular criticism, including the most senior officer at the scene of the struggle, Inspector Greg Cooper.

She said his evidence at the inquest had been "so self-contradictory, self-serving and obscure" it wasn't worth repeating.

"Both his actions during the event and his attempts to exonerate himself and blame more junior officers afterwards, are little more than contemptible."

CCTV shows footage of a police Tasering a man who died in Sydney CBD on March 18. Officers had identified the man as a suspect of a robbery.

Ms Jerram said a probationary constable, Daniel Barling, who used his Taser in "drive-stun mode'' five times on Mr Curti while he was already handcuffed on the ground had shown "appalling" judgement and behaved in a thuggish manner.

Mr Curti, who was staying with his sister in Sydney while he studied English, also had capsicum spray used on his face after he stole two packets of biscuits from a city convenience store.

He had been suffering a "psychotic episode" as a side-effect from taking the hallucinogen LSD during a night out to celebrate St Patrick's Day with friends.

Ms Jerram said none of the Taser stuns after Mr Curti was brought to the ground were justified and police had been "reckless, careless, dangerous and excessively forceful".

She recommended the actions of the police involved in the chase and struggle be referred to the Police Integrity Commission and for there to be an "immediate review" of standard operating procedures for Tasers and capsicum spray.

She also asked the police commissioner to consider whether probationary constables should be allowed to continue using Tasers, among other recommendations.

Speaking after the findings were delivered, Mr Curti's brother-in-law Michael Reynolds said the family was still in shock following the death of their "beloved Beto".

"There continues to be so much sadness and anger as we continue to come to terms with what happened," he said.

Mr Reynolds said Mr Curti's family supported the coroner's recommendation that some police involved in the incident be investigated for disciplinary action, but he repeated calls - made through their lawyer at the inquest - that criminal charges also be laid.

"Whilst we appreciate that improved training and guidelines are very positive steps, this is unfortunately not a great deal of consolation for the family, who will be forever burdened with pain of losing a family member in the prime of his life," he said.

"Nothing will ever bring Beto back, (but) we continue to push for those responsible to face the consequences of their appalling behaviour on that night."


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