Inquest Into Bailey Pini Death Begins

A colonial investigation into the death of 13-year-old Bailey Pini is underway and the Magistrate is examining whether he was receiving adequate supervision at the state-run care centre in Sarina where he had been staying for the month prior to his death.

It was almost a year ago that Bailey and his 14-year-old companion stole a vehicle from the care centre and drove over 200 kilometres to Bowen.

It is believed that Bailey had no pre-existing driving experience and sadly lost control of the vehicle just a few kilometres from his grandmother’s house, where it is believed he was heading.

Bailey died at the scene and the passenger survived.

It is understood that Bailey’s behaviour had been spiralling since the death of his mother the year before after she endured a short battle with cervical cancer.

He had been sent down to the state-run care facility in Sarina where it was hoped he would receive counselling and that his behaviour would improve.

Unfortunately, he did not get that opportunity.

In order to prevent this happening again, the level of supervision at state-run care facilities will be investigated to ascertain whether the children living in these ‘share house’ environments need to receive 24 hour supervision.

Currently, a supervisor will sleep at the premises. No-one needs to be awake throughout the night.

The question is, could Bailey’s death have been avoided if a supervising adult had been awake?

There is also a concern about whether the environment at the care facility was a catalyst to unruly behaviour instead of a supportive and safe place for him to live.

Investigations are continuing.

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