WA: Report says Qld coroner should have held an inquest

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2000
WA: Report says Qld coroner should have held an inquest

The long-awaited report into the death of protected witness, ANDREW PETRELIS, has found
a number of concerns with the witness protection program.

Mr PETRELIS was found dead from an accidental heroin overdose in a Queensland unit
in 1995, just a month before he was due to give evidence in the drugs trial of a major
Perth crime figure.

Suspicions remain about his death.

And an ABC Four Corners Report on Monday suggested his new identity under the witness
protection program was leaked by a police officer to organised criminals.

A report by QC LEN ROBERTS-SMITH, tabled in the West Australian Parliament, found that
although there was no evidence Mr PETRELIS was murdered, the Queensland coroner should
have held an inquest into his death.

The report also found a number of concerns with regard to the police witness security
unit, including staff selection, training and counselling.

There was also concerns over financial resourcing and inadequate staffing.

AAP RTV sd/dd/jx/jn

KEYWORD: PETRELIS (PERTH)

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