A coronial inquest has begun into the death of Narayan Rodwell, who died after running into traffic during a police pursuit on the M1 motorway near Byron Bay in 2022. The inquest is being held at the Byron Bay Courthouse and is overseen by Deputy State Coroner David O'Neil.
Dylan Anderson
Events Leading to the Pursuit
The court heard that on September 29, 2022, Mr Rodwell had been driving erratically around Byron Bay, including veering onto the wrong side of the road and driving along a bike path behind a cyclist. CCTV footage showed his hatchback circling a service station repeatedly over a 10-minute span.
Police attempted to pull him over on the M1 north of Byron Bay, but Mr Rodwell continued driving at speeds around 120 kilometres per hour in a 110 zone. Although he was driving dangerously, he continued to indicate properly before changing lanes while being pursued by police vehicles.
Road spikes were deployed near Cudgera Creek Road. As the hatchback slowed, Mr Rodwell jumped from the moving vehicle and ran into the southbound lanes, where he was clipped by one car’s side mirror and struck by a second vehicle. He died at the scene.
Toxicology reports later confirmed that Mr Rodwell had methylamphetamine in his system at the time of his death.
A Man Turning His Life Around
Counsel Assisting the Coroner, Jillian Caldwell, told the court that Mr Rodwell had experienced a "rough and dysfunctional childhood" and began using methamphetamine at 25 years old. Following two years in prison for drug and traffic offences, he had sought to change his life.
Dylan Anderson
Colleagues from his job in bush regeneration described him as well-liked, spiritual, and focused on leading a healthier lifestyle. "He was very transparent about his trajectory and his past," said colleague James Whelan. "He was an open book."
However, it was noted that in the months leading up to his death, Mr Rodwell had started using methamphetamine again. Colleague Brodie Nossiter testified that he appeared "withdrawn" the day before he died, saying, "There was a bit of a cloud over his head."
Mr Rodwell had previously sought help from local rehabilitation service The Buttery and was engaged with a counsellor.
Examining Police Actions
The inquest will review whether it was appropriate for police to begin and continue the pursuit, and whether the use of road spikes was justified. Jillian Caldwell noted that a police report found officers involved had complied with policies and procedures.
The inquiry will also consider if any further recommendations are necessary to prevent similar deaths in the future.
Officers involved in the pursuit are scheduled to provide evidence later this week.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
