MEDIA ALERT
WHAT: Deputy State Coroner, his Honour Magistrate O’Neil will deliver findings into the death of Michael Baker.
WHEN: 9:45am, Thursday 20 June 2024
WHERE: Courtroom One, NSW State Coroner’s Court, 1A Main Ave, Lidcombe
WHO: Emma Parker from the Aboriginal Legal Service will be available to speak on behalf of Michael Baker’s family. Family members have requested privacy and prefer not to be named or to make their own statement to the media. They have given permission for Michael’s name and image to be published in the media.
Michael Raymond Baker was a son, brother, uncle and a proud Awabakal man. He passed away alone in a cell at Lithgow Correctional Centre on 25 June 2019. He was 44 years old.
Inquest hearings into Michael’s death were held earlier this year. The Aboriginal Legal Service represented Michael’s family.
Deputy State Coroner O’Neil is expected to find that Michael died of a cardiac arrhythmia. The adequacy of healthcare at Lithgow Correctional Centre was a major issue explored during the inquest. Michael had an intellectual disability and diagnoses of schizophrenia and depression alongside physical health concerns which saw him briefly admitted to hospital in the months before his death.
The Deputy State Coroner will deliver findings into the cause and circumstances of Michael’s death this Thursday.
ENDS
Media contact:
Alyssa Robinson 0427 346 017 [email protected]
The below photo of Michael as a child is provided by his family with permission to publish:
