An inquest into the death of a Canberra boy murdered by his father will look at how he came to be in the vulnerable position that ultimately led to his death, a coroner’s court heard Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Chief Coroner Lorraine Walker said the inquiry would examine what was known by the various authorities in the ACT and other jurisdictions, and how that information was communicated to those who could act on it.
But the purpose of the hearing into 9-year-old Bradyn Dillon’s death was not to review systemic issues in relation to care and protection, nor the circumstances of his death, Ms Walker said.
Those matters were covered by the Glanfield inquiry and the murder charge.
Ms Walker reserved two weeks from June 17 next year to hear the inquest.
Barrister Rebecca Curren is counsel assisting the coroner, and Ms Walker gave the ACT government leave to appear in the inquest.
ACT government solicitor Simone Richards told the court she acted on instructions from care and protection, though the directorate might be joined by ACT health and education.
The government had briefed Sydney barrister Joe Kellaway to appear in the inquest.
Following a request from the government, Ms Walker ordered that any sensitive material produced in relation to the inquest was not to be provided to other parties until further order.
Graham Dillon, 30, is serving a minimum of 32 years in jail for the murder of Bradyn.
Bradyn died on February 15, 2016, after Dillon told the boy to bend over a marble coffee table while he beat him with a belt, causing old head injuries to bleed again.
For months Dillon had used his fists and lit cigarettes to torture the boy.
Dillon bashed the boy's head at least twice in the space of two months, causing bruising and bleeding to his brain.
The final assault in February 2016 knocked the boy out and he never regained consciousness.
The inquest returns to court November 27 for directions.
