A NSW prison officer says he didn't want to "inflame" a tense situation by contacting prison hospital staff about a diabetic inmate who refused to hand over biscuits, an inquest has heard.
Correctional Officer E, who can't be named for legal reasons, gave evidence on Tuesday at the inquest into the death of David Dungay, 26, who was restrained by multiple officers at Long Bay Hospital in December 2015.
The officer told the court he had no luck getting Mr Dungay to pass a packet of rice crackers out of his cell so asked another Corrective Services NSW officer to persuade him.
Officer E took this course of action rather than contacting Justice Health staff despite conceding "there was no security threat" and it was purely a medical issue.
Outside Downing Centre Court in Sydney on Monday, Mr Dungay's mother Leetona thanked her supporters.
“I want justice for my son,” she said.
“I’ll be strong in and out of this court every day.”
Former Don Dale detainee Dylan Voller also spoke outside court, showing support to Mr Dungay’s family.
“I’ve come to show my support considering I was one of those young kids that was in detention and was being abused," he told SBS News.
“Yesterday I watched the footage for the first time, and I broke down seeing that.”
“Yes they might get into a bit of trouble, but it’s going to going to give closure to the family.”
“It’s a fight for justice, and there are a lot of people out here and a lot of us aren’t willing to stop until there is justice because it continues to happen.
“It just has to stop, we’re losing too many black brothers and sisters in custody.”
Mr Dungay’s nephew Paul Silva told SBS he hoped to get justice for his uncle.
“The main thing will be to get justice for my uncle, so he can rest. I know for a fact that he’s not resting. Until the people are held accountable for their actions… are dealt with accordingly, then I’ll know my uncle will rest,” he said.
“It’s the Stolen Generation all over again in my eyes.”
