A former NSW Police officer involved in the fatal shooting of Jesse Deacon has apologised to Mr Deacon's mother during an inquest examining the circumstances surrounding his death.
The NSW State Coroner's Court is investigating the events that led to the death of the 43-year-old Sydney man, who was shot by police at his apartment in July 2023 after officers responded to a welfare call involving concerns about self-harm.
During the inquest, evidence has focused on the police response, communication between officers, mental health information available to police and whether different approaches could have changed the outcome.
Mr Deacon's mother, Judy Deacon, has been representing herself during the proceedings and has called for greater accountability and improvements in how police respond to people experiencing mental health crises. She has said the inquest is an important opportunity to understand what happened and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The court heard Jesse Deacon had a history of serious mental health challenges, including treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Concerns have been raised during the proceedings about whether police systems provided officers with enough relevant information about his mental health history before attending the incident.
Evidence presented at the inquest indicated that police were responding after a neighbour reported concerns about Mr Deacon's wellbeing. When officers arrived, a confrontation occurred, during which a Taser was deployed before another officer fired a fatal shot.
The inquest is examining whether police actions were appropriate, whether alternative methods of de-escalation were available and whether mental health crisis responses could be improved. Coronial inquests do not determine criminal guilt but aim to establish facts surrounding a death and make recommendations to improve public safety.
Mental health advocates have highlighted the case as part of broader discussions about how emergency services respond to people experiencing psychological distress. They have argued that greater access to specialised mental health response teams and improved information-sharing between agencies could help reduce risks during crisis situations.
For Jesse Deacon's family, the inquest represents a chance to receive answers about the final moments of his life and examine whether changes are needed in police procedures.
The former officer's apology to Judy Deacon was an emotional moment during the proceedings, acknowledging the impact the death has had on the family. The apology forms part of a wider examination of responsibility, police decision-making and the challenges faced when officers attend complex mental health emergencies.
The inquest remains ongoing, with further evidence expected before the coroner delivers final findings and any recommendations.
