Exclusive: During 220 days in prison, Eamonn Coughlan says he was bashed, stabbed with a syringe and denied prescription drugs
A former British policeman wrongfully jailed for more than 200 days has lodged a $2.1m lawsuit against the state ofand a police officer who – court documents allege – stated he “hated” the man, threatened to beat his wife and unnecessarily searched through her underwear drawers.
The malicious prosecution claim lodged in the Queensland supreme court alleges Weare made a false statement, communicated inappropriately with witnesses and did not properly disclose evidence. Coughlan – a Met police officer from 1988 to 2001 – was denied legal aid and represented himself during criminal proceedings. Two district court trials were aborted. At a third trial, he was convicted of arson and attempted insurance fraud and sentenced to three and a half years in prison.
and entered verdicts of not guilty to both charges. The court found that, based on the circumstances, “it was not open to the jury” to find Coughlan guilty. Among 32 alleged failures by police are allegations officers did not prepare a formal investigation plan; did not properly investigate other potential suspects; and failed to make inquiries seeking witnesses or evidence that corroborated Coughlan’s statements.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Meter reader mauled to death by dogs in Queensland front yardPolice are continuing to investigate after an Energex worker was mauled to death by a pack of dogs while trying to read a meter on a Queensland property. 9News
Read more »
Queensland man dies two weeks after being hit by carA Queensland man has died two weeks after he was hit by a car in what police allege was a deliberate attempt to kill him. 9News
Read more »
Locals alarmed as Queensland haven to rare tree species to be sold off by CSIROThe arboretum was closed to the public in October last year and is being ‘vacated in preparation for divestment’
Read more »
Telehealth still off the table for Queensland assisted dying launchWhile the scheme opens to terminally ill residents next month, efforts to dump federal laws banning doctors from remotely aiding suicide are yet to deliver.
Read more »