QLD: Coroner recommends no charges in Goodna rail deaths

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2009
QLD: Coroner recommends no charges in Goodna rail deaths

BRISBANE, Dec 23 AAP - A Queensland coroner has recommended no criminal charges be
laid over the deaths of three Aboriginal boys struck by a passenger train in 2006.

Hayden Duncan, 10, and his brother Glen Duncan, eight, of Mount Gravatt East, and their
nine-year-old cousin Reggie Fisher, of Carole Park, died instantly when they were struck
between Goodna and Redbank stations, west of Brisbane, on March 11, 2006.

Coroner Michael Barnes last month ruled Dennis Smith, the driver of the 10M1 Brisbane-bound
special train taking fans to a football match, did not have to give evidence due to his
mental state.

On Wednesday, Mr Barnes handed down his findings, recommending no criminal charges
be laid but labelling Mr Smith's conduct as "dangerous".

He suggested the matter be referred to Queensland Rail (QR) CEO Lance Hockridge for
disciplinary action.

Mr Barnes also recommended QR give definitive rulings for train drivers on terms such
as "proceed with caution" and "proceed with extreme caution".

AAP gd/jl/apm

KEYWORD: DUNCAN

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