Man who took his life in Darwin prison was 'lost in a bureaucratic jungle'

The Darwin Correctional Centre has been put under the microscope at the start of a two-day inquest into how a 32-year-old prisoner died in his cell.

The coroner considered potential flaws in how it operates, considering if changes need to be made across NT prisons.

Sean Collins, 32, from the US took his own life in his prison cell in 2017.

The court heard today how certain items shouldn’t have been permitted in the prison.

Mr Collins had spent just over a year into a four year sentence behind bars, after being arrested for significant drug and false identification charges while living in Darwin.

He moved to Australia in 2012, where there is evidence he dabbled in the dark net, joining marketplaces that sold illicit drugs and only traded in Bitcoin.

Inside prison, he battled with anxiety and depression.

Friends on the outside that were trusted to hold his income, ignored requests from Mr Collins to transfer funds to a lawyer to lodge an appeal.

His mother and two sisters flew over from the US for the inquest today, hoping it brings change.

They listened as multiple prison officers, health experts and his cell neighbour gave evidence.

The court heard Mr Collins had been discharged from multiple prison duties due to his lack of effort.

He also attempted to apply for mental health help a number of times. On one occasion, he was sent an in-eligibility letter.

Counsel assisting Kelvin Currie cross examined witnesses, which highlighted how prison guards and counsellors overlooked his spiraling mental state.

Coroner Greg Caranagh said “This is a case of a man crying out for help and getting lost in a bureaucratic jungle.”

The inquest was adjourned until tomorrow, when three more witnesses will give evidence.