Coroner releases findings into 2012 double murder

Meagan Wilton, 31, and Benjamin Elyes, 34, were shot dead at close range at their Hamilton home on December 16, 2012.

Patrick Stanley Daley, 63, was convicted of the double murder and is serving a minimum 25 years in prison, after it was determined he set out to kill the pair over his child’s custody.

On Friday, Coroner Stephen Carey released his finding and said an inquest into the murders was “unneccessary”.

Mr Carey pinpointed, however, that hints of a family violence problem between Daley and Ms Wilton were present.

Mr Carey said it was unclear whether a possible intervention would have prevented the murders.

“This matter serves as a reminder and an example that unless incidents of domestic violence are dealt with appropriately, they can ultimately lead to fatal outcomes,” the coroner said.

“Tasmania Police must ensure that due to the five unacceptable high incidents of domestic violence within the community that all such incidents are dealt with in strict compliance with the Family Violence Act 2004 and that appropriate policy from Tasmania Police gives priority to proactive and intervention-style action in response to every such circumstance.”

Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine was commended by the coroner for his approach to the state’s family violence issue.

“This is not merely a matter that is the responsibility of police or other government agencies; it concerns everyone in our society to have a no tolerance attitude and to do what we can to influence a change of the unacceptable culture that has developed concerning domestic violence,” Mr Carey said.