A Coroner says the actions of a Tasmania Police officer were "exemplary" and he was given no choice but to shoot a man at Cooee in 2016.
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Coroner Olivia McTaggart has ruled that Robert Edward McInerney died by suicide on May 25, 2016 after being shot by Tasmania Police Senior Constable William Flynn.
During the inquest, the court heard Mr McInerney called triple-0 at 7.35pm on May 24, stating he wanted police to shoot him and that he would throw knives at members of the public if police did not come to his unit.
On Friday, Ms McTaggart said Mr McInerney was dependent on alcohol and not "capable of genuine empathy for others", and that he displayed "irrational, intimidatory, violent and suicidal behaviour".
"It could not have been foreshadowed that he would take the action he did [on the day he died]," Ms McTaggart said.
"As he became intoxicated... he formed the intention to die.
"At the time of his death he had the specific intention of ending his life."
If you or anyone you know needs help call LifeLine on 131 114
Sandy Powell
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
