Skip to main content Skip to home page

Findings

A written finding is a formal document handed down by a coroner following an investigation into a death or fire and is generally the final step in the coronial investigation process. A written finding is made regardless of whether an inquest is held or not.

A written finding following an investigation into a death will usually, if possible, include:

  • the identity of the person who died
  • the time, date, and location where the death occurred
  • a summary of the evidence relating to the circumstances of the death, in some cases
  • comments or recommendations made by the coroner aimed at preventing similar deaths, in some cases.

Findings are published when:

  • an inquest was held
  • recommendations have been made
  • a coroner otherwise orders they be published.

Findings handed down and published are available below.

Search older findings on the Australasian Legal Information Institute database (AustLII).

Please consider that it may be upsetting to read details about a death or fire in an inquest finding. Some information may be graphic or distressing.

Use the search field above to locate a finding. You can search for a name, a case number, type of death or location of death.

Any person may apply for some or all of a finding to be reviewed and/or appealed.

    Recommendations

    The Coroners Act 2008 allows a coroner to make recommendations as part of their finding following an investigation into a death or fire.

    Recommendations can be made to any Minister, public statutory authority or entity that may help prevent similar deaths. A public statutory authority or entity who receives a recommendation from a coroner must respond, in writing, within three months stating what action, if any, has or will be taken.

    The Court will publish inquest findings with recommendations and the subsequent responses below.

    Findings list

    Name Case ID Sort descending Case type Date Coroner Related orders and rulings Responses to recommendations
    Vincenzo Mannella COR 1999 0094 Finding into death with inquest 31/08/2017 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    Francesco Benvenuto COR 2000 1395 Finding into death with inquest 08/12/2016 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    Adam John Matthews COR 2000 3635 Finding into death with inquest 20/12/2013 Coroner John Olle
    George Germanos COR 2001 0819 Finding into death with inquest 17/06/2016 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    Michael John Lowry COR 2001 2112 Finding into death with inquest 08/02/2013 Coroner Audrey Jamieson
    Julie Ann Garciacelay COR 2001 2158 Finding into death with inquest 11/04/2018 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    David Lay COR 2001 2245 Finding into death with inquest 08/12/2016 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    Denis Stephen Kelly COR 2001 2310 Finding into death with inquest 01/05/2014 Coroner Caitlin English
    Gregory Price COR 2001 2390 Finding into death with inquest 16/04/2010 Coroner Kim M. W. Parkinson
    John Christianos COR 2001 3889 Finding into death with inquest 05/05/2011 Coroner Kim M. W. Parkinson