Cirrus@Austlit

Senior Sergeant Christopher Hurley was the Officer-In-Charge of Palm Island at the time of Cameron Doomadgee's (q.v.) arrest and later death in custody. Queensland's Director of Public Prosecutions decided that neither Hurley nor any other person would be prosecuted for causing the death. A further investigation concluded that the case required review and the Queensland Government appointed former New South Wales Chief Justice Sir Laurence Street to conduct the review. Sir Lawrence concluded there was sufficient evidence to begin criminal proceedings, with a reasonable prospect of a conviction. In June 2007 a Townsville Supreme Court jury found Hurley not guilty of manslaughter and assault.