Inquest hears Michael Suckling struggled with drug addiction, back pain, mobility issues and significant weight gain in prison
A First Nations man who died in a Melbourne prison was the subject of a “code black” medical emergency two days earlier, but spent less than an hour in a healthcare unit before being returned to his cell, an inquest has heard.
Michael Suckling, 41, died on 7 March 2021 at Ravenhall Correctional Centre in Melbourne’s west from an enlarged heart. A coronial inquest into Suckling’s death is considering whether the healthcare treatment the prisoner was given was adequate.The inquest heard on Friday that, while in prison, Suckling struggled with drug addiction and poor mental and physical health, including back pain and mobility issues. The counsel assisting the inquest, Sharon Lacy, said Suckling weighed 199kg at the time of his death – having gained 117kg since entering custody in 2018.
Two former correctional staff at Ravenhall Correctional Centre also told the Victorian coroner’s court that a “code black” response was called on 5 March after Suckling was discovered in his cell with the right side of his face drooping and impaired motor skill just after 9am. Scott Lee, who was then a corrections officer, told the hearing he was then surprised Suckling had been returned to his unit within an hour, because of his appearance earlier that morning.
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