Coroner accused of bias during Cleveland Dodd inquest

November 6, 2024

The woman in charge of the controversial Unit 18 youth custody centre where teenager Cleveland Dodd died last year has accused the Coroner investigating the death of bias and wants Philip Urquhart recused from the inquest.

Christine Ginbey’s lawyer Grant Donaldson SC told the court last week his client had been unduly blamed during the inquest and said Mr Urquhart had demonstrated “apprehended bias” during his questioning.

He called for the Coroner to either recuse himself before the inquest resumes or to proceed without further questioning of Ms Ginbey.

Ms Ginbey was Deputy Commissioner for Women and Young People at the time of Cleveland Dodd’s death.

Mr Urquhart responded robustly, stating it was the role of the coroner to ask questions.

Mr Donaldson SC told the hearing three were several instances of bias an d “undue focus’ in the cross examination of Ms Ginbey, describing some as “bullying”.

Steven Penglis SC, representing Cleveland’s mother Nadine Dodd, said the accusation was a “remarkable attack on this court”.

He told the court any one with an understanding of the coronial process would expect Ms Ginbey’s role and conduct would be subject to “intense scrutiny”.

The hearing resumes on Monday.

 

 

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