MEDIA ALERT

WHEN: Coronial findings are scheduled for 9:30am, Friday 14 April 2023; to be followed by a press conference outside the court at approximately 11:00 am

WHERE: Lidcombe Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court Complex

WHAT: Deputy State Coroner, Her Honour Magistrate Forbes will deliver findings into the death of Stanley Russell at 9:30am. After taking a short break to consider the findings, the Aboriginal Legal Service will hold a press conference outside the court.

Proud Aboriginal man, Stanley Russell died on 9 November 2021 after he was fatally shot by police at a home in western Sydney.

A coronial inquest into his death was held from 21-30 November 2022. The Coroner heard about issues in police officers’ planning for Stanley’s arrest, their consideration of Stanley’s Aboriginality and intellectual disability, and their failure to record the full incident on body-worn camera.

Significant recommendations were proposed to the Deputy Coroner including the establishment of a procedure whereby NSW Police would notify the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) when an Aboriginal person is sought on an arrest warrant after failing to appear at court. The proposed procedure would give the ALS the opportunity to support the person to present to a police station or appear at court, ensuring they have legal representation and reducing the risk of violent encounters with police.

The Deputy Coroner will deliver findings and final recommendations on Friday.

ENDS

Media contact: Alyssa Robinson - [email protected] 0427 346 017

Permission has been granted by Stanley Russell’s partner, Vicky Fernando, for media to publish the below photo of Stanley: