Coroner hears multiple police failures in John Makai's death after custody transport
A Victorian inquest revealed a series of police missteps that preceded the death of John Makai, who died after being taken to a police station in an unresponsive state.
During a coroner’s inquest, evidence showed that John Makai, 58, died after a chain of police errors following a family-violence incident at his Sunbury home. After his son spilled a drink and a physical altercation ensued, police escorted Makai to Broadmeadows station despite his intoxication and deteriorating condition. The ambulance that was supposed to meet them never arrived, and Makai became unresponsive during the short drive.
At the station, officers dragged him from the van, placed him in a prone “coma” position, and failed to perform regular checks or a proper medical assessment for several hours. Paramedics later identified a severe brain injury, and Makai died two days later in hospital. The coroner heard that the police chief’s lawyer acknowledged the shortcomings, offered an apology, and indicated disciplinary actions and system improvements will follow.
Why it matters
The case highlights serious gaps in police custody care that could affect public trust and future policing standards.
In this story
