Suicidal man sent to jail by psychiatrist, where he then kills himself.

As reported here from Australia.

The state's most senior psychiatrist transferred a man to the Adelaide Remand Centre despite being told he would kill himself if sent there, an inquest has heard.

Glenside Hospital clinical director Professor Norman James yesterday stood by his decision, telling State Coroner Mark Johns he did not believe Neil James Brooks, 43, would commit suicide.

Prof James was giving evidence into the death of Mr Brooks, who suffocated himself with a plastic bag five months after he was detained at the remand centre in December, 2002.

Kate Hodder, counsel assisting Mr Johns, earlier outlined how Mr Brooks had been admitted to Glenside's intensive care unit, Brentwood North, after being found near the body of his girlfriend, Tracy Jane Foster, 42, at their Osborne home.

Mr Brooks, a transsexual, had strangled Ms Foster before trying to kill himself by taking an overdose of drugs and cutting his wrists and left leg.

Ms Hodder said another Glenside psychiatrist, Dr John Clayer, had told police investigators he had wanted to keep Mr Brooks at Brentwood North but was over-ruled by Professor James because he allegedly wanted to clear beds in the unit.

The inquest heard the incident occurred when the SA mental health system was under extreme pressure, with patients being shackled in emergency departments and kept under guard in general hospital wards until beds became available at Glenside.

Prof James yesterday disputed a sworn statement by Dr Clayer that he ordered Mr Brooks to be discharged to free up a bed, saying he personally assessed him and, along with nursing staff, did not believe there was a clinical need for Mr Brooks to remain at Glenside.

"With me, he was very specific that he would kill himself if he went to the remand centre," Prof James said.

"He said he would only do it if he went to the remand centre.

"He was happy, though, to go to James Nash House (the state's criminal forensic facility)."

Prof James said he disagreed with Dr Clayer's assessment that Mr Brooks would kill himself if sent to the remand centre, saying people with suicidal intent usually were not specific about when or where they would take their lives.

Files obtained by the police investigators showed Glenside staff advised remand centre medical staff to ensure he was constantly monitored because he was at "high risk of suicide".

Glad to see they have their priorities straight.