NSW police officers to face criminal charges over death of Brazilian student
|
Version 0 of 1. Four police officers will be charged over the stun gun death of Brazilian student Roberto Laudisio Curti, after the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) advised the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) there was enough evidence to lay criminal charges. The officers are facing various assault charges as a result of operation Anafi, an investigation into whether any of the officers engaged in serious police misconduct or criminal conduct in the pursuit and restraint of 21-year-old Curti in Sydney last year. Curti died on the street after officers used what a subsequent coronial inquest labeled “excessive force” and “thuggish” actions, tasering the student up to 14 times and using capsicum spray at close range, and batons. The coronial inquest recommended five of the 11 officers involved be considered for disciplinary charges. In May this year the PIC recommended the officers involved be investigated for prosecution by the NSW DPP. The DPP on Friday told the PIC that there was sufficient evidence to charge four of the officers with criminal offences. Senior Constable Eric Lim and Senior Constable Damien Ralph may be charged with common assault. Senior Constable Scott Edmondson and Constable Daniel Barling may face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm or, alternatively, common assault. In March 2012, the 21-year-old Curti was chased through the Sydney CBD by 11 police officers after he had an adverse reaction to LSD and stole a packet of biscuits from a convenience store. The police mistakenly believed Curti was armed, according to ombudsman Bruce Barbour’s report on the incident. As well as shooting Curti 14 times with the stun gun, the officers used up to three cans of capsicum spray at close range and a baton, knelt on him and handcuffed him. After Curti ceased struggling the officers checked his pulse and a few minutes later he stopped breathing. Officers performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. The paramedics asked the officers to uncuff the unresponsive Curti, and attempted to resuscitate him. He was pronounced dead about 20 minutes later. A spokesman for NSW Police told Guardian Australia that the police force “notes today’s statement by the Police Integrity Commission. Appropriate interim management action remains in place for the officers concerned. As there are legal proceedings underway it is inappropriate to comment further.” The interim action referred to means the officers are desk-bound on “non-operational duties”, a spokesman told Guardian Australia. A spokeswoman for the PIC said charges were expected to be laid soon. Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. |