Douglas ‘Mootijah’ Shillingsworth's death from ear infection while in custody was preventable, inquest finds

The NSW Coroners Court has found the death of an Indigenous man in custody, stemming from a middle ear infection, was preventable. Key points: A Coroner found Mr Shillingsworth died from a neurological injury, relating back to his recurring ear infections She found his hearing loss and disease were rarely investigated despite being recorded on his prison profile Mr Shillingsworth's family said he 'didn't need to die' from an ear infection in the 21st century WARNING: This story contains images and details of an Aboriginal person who has died and have been used with the permission of his family. Deputy State Coroner Magistrate Joan Baptie found Mr Shillingsworth died from a neurological injury, that traced back to his ear infections. Speaking outside court Mr Shillingsworth's cousin Ruby Dykes said her cousin "didn't need to die". Mr Shillingsworth's cousin Ruby Dykes said her cousin "didn’t need to die".