Drug use, struggle before home intruder’s death A HASTINGS man died after a violent struggle at a house in Frankston while high on a cocktail of drugs, the state coroner has ruled in a finding released late last month. Judge Sara Hinchey said Adam Slomczewski, 44, died from cardiac arrhythmia in the setting of the struggle, as well as neck compression and amphetamine use, at a house he was robbing in Cassia Grove, Frankston in December 2015 (“Intruder killed chasing woman”, The Times 14/12/2015). She said Mr Slomczewski had a lengthy criminal history and spent considerable time in prison for various crimes, including theft, robbery, burglary, attempted burglary and heroin possession. He also “had a history of using illicit drugs heroin, speed and ice” which contributed to his death. The inquest was told Mr Slomczewski was robbing the house when the owner returned home and confronted him. He grappled with her and demanded money and her car keys. Neighbour Russell Harrison heard “bloodcurdling screams” from the house and ran in to see the woman pinned against a wall. She shouted to him for help. In a violent struggle in which Mr Harrison thought Mr Slomczewski was “trying to kill him”, he eventually managed to get the deceased into a sleeper hold while waiting for police to arrive. Mr Harrison said he released Mr Slomczewski when he heard sirens and when he complained he could not breathe. Soon afterwards, Mr Slomczewski “went limp”. Paramedics spent 30 minutes vainly trying to resuscitate Mr Slomczewski but he was declared dead.
Crushing blow: An elderly driver’s car rammed into the back of a truck on Peninsula Link last Thursday. Picture: Gary Sissons
Car under truck on Link AN elderly man was lucky to escape serious injury when his car ran into the back of a truck under the Skye Rd bridge on Peninsula Link, Frankston, Thursday 5 October. Roadworks up ahead had slowed traffic at the accident site and only one lane was getting through. Leading Senior Constable Greg Wolfe, of Somerville Highway Patrol, said the 83-year-old, of Carrum, passed out before running into the truck. He was alone in the car. His 1993 Toyota Corolla was extensively damaged and he was taken to Frankston Hospital for observation. Leading Senior Constable Wolfe said drivers aged over 80 “should be discussing with their GPs their fitness to drive”. “Age was definitely a factor in two previous accidents in which drivers aged over 80 passed
Sealed scene: Police investigate in the aftermath of a Cassia Grove burglary in 2015. Pic: Gary Sissons
Judge Hinchey said the Homicide Squad had sought advice from the Office of Public Prosecutions as to whether charges could be laid against Mr Harrison over the death. However, it was decided that there was “no reasonable prospect of Mr Harrison being convicted of any offence”. The Judge conveyed her sympathy to the deceased’s family and friends. Stephen Taylor
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away after making errors,” he said. “Older drivers who feel they have issues with their cognitive functions should be having discussions with their GPs.”
Car stolen A TOYOTA four-wheel-drive was stolen from outside a Tyabb house, overnight Thursday 5 October. The 1999 Prado was parked on the nature strip in William St. It is valued at $8000.
Purse taken BURGLARS stole a purse containing $100 from a car parked in the garage of a Jarrod St, Hastings property, overnight Friday 6 October.
Anyone with information on these incidents should call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
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Western Port News 10 October 2017
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