An inquest has heard a heavily intoxicated man died an undignified death after police dumped him on his parent's doorstep against their wishes in NSW's Hunter region.
Dungog man Anthony Gilbert, 41, died of acute alcohol intoxication on January 29, 2019, with a four-day inquest into his death wrapping up in the Coroners Court of NSW in Newcastle today.
Counsel assisting the coroner Jake Harris told the court Mr Gilbert died after a decision by Maitland police to return him home, even though his parents wanted him to remain in police or hospital care.
"The Gilberts were simply unaware Anthony was on his way home until he arrived on their doorstep," Mr Harris said.
"It was inappropriate for there not to be a handover of care, even in face of Anthony telling police he didn't want them to go and get his parents.
"Police would have had no confidence he would have even been able to get into the home.
"It may have been if he would have been able to get in the home he would have died with dignity rather than on the front doorstep."
His mother saw her son lying on her front porch at about 11pm but Mr Harris said he could already have been dead, or could have died the following morning.
"We are unable to be clear, tragically, about the time of death," he said.
"For that reason, unfortunately, the date of death will need to be between the 29th and 30th of January.
"We know it involved intentional intoxication, although it led to an accidental death."
Mum and dad could take no more
Mr Gilbert's brother Neil Gilbert gave a statement on behalf of the family in court today.
He described his brother as "popular and charismatic" as well as being a much respected chef.
"Mum and Dad didn't understand his problem with alcohol. They spent three years trying to help and being frustrated at being turned away," Mr Gilbert said.
"They continued fighting for their son until they could take no more. It was true parents' love."
He said his brother's death had left a gaping hole in the family's life.
"It resulted in total devastation, a sadness we have never felt before and one that will never leave our hearts," Mr Gilbert said.
"Hopefully something will come out that will improve outcomes for intoxicated persons."
On Monday, the inquest was played video of the late Mr Gilbert at the Maitland Police Station, where he appeared unsteady on his feet, as he was taken to the police station foyer.
The NSW Police Force barrister apologised to Mr Gilbert's family and said they "accepted the way they handed him over [to his parents] was inadequate".
He said one reason for not engaging with the parents was to avoid an argument on their doorstep.
Deputy State Coroner Elizabeth Ryan will hand down her findings on April 19.
