Second detainee dies at Canberra's jail within a month

A second detainee has died at Canberra’s jail in less than a month, sparking a police investigation.

ACT Policing said staff at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) found a 34-year-old man unresponsive in his cell at around 8 am on Thursday (29 August).

Despite the efforts of staff and emergency services, he was declared dead a short time later.

“Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident and a report will be prepared for the coroner,” a police spokesperson said.

“As the death is a death in custody, a hearing must be held at a future date.”

Minister for Corrections Emma Davidson said this was a very distressing situation for the family involved.

“Every death is a tragedy and felt deeply across the community. I recognise many people will be struggling with this news today,” she said.

“ACT Corrective Services is providing support to people within AMC and the family involved. The matter has been referred to the ACT Inspector of Correctional Services and Worksafe as required by law.

“As this is a matter for the police, I will make no further comment at this time.”

It is the second death at the facility in the last month.

On 31 July, emergency services were called to the AMC at around 11 am over reports of an unconscious detainee at the facility.

Staff and paramedics treated the 35-year-old, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

On 26 February 2023, 34-year-old Justin James Cordy died at the jail after being remanded into custody just a day earlier.

A coronial inquest into his death began earlier this year.

On 1 February 2022, 27-year-old Luke Anthony Rich died at the AMC, just one day after he was remanded in custody.

An inquest recently found a “shortfall in the care and supervision of Luke contributed to his death”.