The Wire

The police officer accused of killing a man in custody on Palm Island has today told the court he’s come to terms with the fact he caused the death of Mulrunji, but strongly denies that he intended to cause harm. In an unexpected move, Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley has taken the stand at his manslaughter trial in the Townsville Supreme Court, giving his version of what happened on November 19, 2004. Despite earlier telling officers investigating the death he had fallen beside Mulrunji during a scuffle at the doorway of the watchhouse, Snr Sgt Hurley today conceded he must have landed on top of him. He said the incident was “a grey area”, but became convinced after hearing medical evidence.