Victoria Police Apologise Over Death of Man in Cells 2026

Victoria Police has issued a formal apology to the family of John Makai, a 58-year-old father of 10 who died in 2023 after being held in a police cell for five hours without medical treatment for a significant head injury. The apology came during the first day of a coroner's inquest into Makai's death, where disturbing CCTV footage was played showing him being dragged from a divisional van into the Broadmeadows police station cells and repeatedly failing to respond to officers' checks.

The Incident and Initial Apology

On Monday, the Victorian coroner's court heard that Makai was placed in a cell despite obvious signs of distress. Footage showed him being unresponsive as officers checked on him through the cell door. Counsel assisting Rachel Ellyard told the court that officers twice claimed Makai had responded, but the CCTV contradicted these statements. After the footage was shown, Andrew Imrie, lawyer for Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, offered a sincere apology to Makai's family, acknowledging that the care provided "was not at the standard that … any member of the Victorian community is entitled to expect."

Failures in Police Custody Procedures

The inquest revealed multiple procedural failures. Imrie admitted that a medical checklist was not completed when Makai arrived at the station, and officers failed to notice his deteriorating condition. These oversights are central to understanding how a man with a serious head injury could be left untreated for hours in a police cell.

Key Failures Identified

• No medical checklist completed upon arrival at Broadmeadows station.
• Failure to recognise deteriorating condition despite obvious signs.
• Inaccurate reporting by officers who claimed Makai responded when CCTV showed otherwise.
• Delay in seeking medical treatment for a significant head injury.

Comparing Police Custody Protocols

The handling of Makai's case highlights gaps in police custody protocols. Below is a comparison of standard procedures versus what occurred in this incident.

Reactions and Calls for Reform

Makai's family has expressed devastation and demanded accountability. The inquest continues to examine the actions of the officers involved and the systemic issues within Victoria Police. This case has sparked renewed calls for independent oversight of police custody and mandatory medical training for officers. As the inquest proceeds, many are watching to see what recommendations will be made to prevent similar tragedies.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of massage chair short person, ice bath water chiller, gloves calisthenics, folding squat racks, and dexcom g6 patches sensitive skin. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of dance shoes plantar fasciitis, dairy free meal delivery, constant pressure well pump, air purifier home gym, and at home toenail fungus laser. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.