New Town sudden death investigations

A 30 year old man was today charged at Hobart Police Station with two counts of common assault arising out of an altercation that is alleged to have occurred at the New Town Road address on Monday evening, 2 September 2013. 

It is alleged that the man who died at that address was assaulted in the altercation, along with another man.  Both men received minor, non- life threatening injuries in the altercation.

"Thorough investigations and forensic testing have determined that the man’s death cannot be attributed to that altercation,” said Detective Acting Inspector Craig Joel.

“It is appropriate and necessary however that police look at all the circumstances leading up to death of the man and to ensure that everything is done to provide comfort and explanation to the deceased family and friends.

“The cause of the man’s death is still subject to an ongoing investigation and other causal factors are being considered.

“While further forensic tests by police and their scientific partners may help investigators to pin point the cause of the man’s death, it is now not considered suspicious and no further charges are expected to be laid,” he said.

The community have been frequently informed about the progress of the investigation, along with the Coroner and forensic investigators.

A report will now be prepared for the Coroner.

The 30 year old man has been bailed to appear in Hobart Magistrates Court at a later date.