The inquest into the death of an Aboriginal woman taken into
custody after being refused bail over suspected
shoplifting offences has heard that there were multiple
opportunities to help her, which went ignored by 'arrogant'
prison staff.
Yorta Yorta woman Victoria Nelson died alone in a prison cell at
Melbourne's Dame Phyllis Frost Centre on January 2, 2020, after
spending several hours prior to her death screaming and in
pain.
The official cause of Ms Nelson's death has been reported as
Wilkie's Syndrome, a rare medical condition that affects the
intestine. Ms Nelson was also suffering from heroin withdrawal.
Desperate woman
ignored
Despite her pain, in recordings played to the inquest, Ms Nelson
was polite and gentle with prison staff, never abusive, using terms
such as "Miss" and "Thank You" over intercom
calls as she repeatedly asked for help with worsening vomiting,
cramps and pain.
