MURDER IN THE E.D.
Death follows quarrel over hospital waiting list
A MAN who police say was killed in an emergency department bathroom at Gold Coast University Hospital had argued with another man over the waiting list. Paul John Conoley, 38, has been charged with the murder of John Francis Imber, 53.
A MAN was allegedly murdered in the toilets of a Gold Coast hospital emergency department after a row over waiting lists.
John Francis Imber, 53, who had been homeless, died after sustaining head injuries following an incident in the ED toilets about 8am last Friday.
Police yesterday charged Woodridge man Paul John Conoley, 38, with Mr Imber’s murder.
Police will allege Mr Imber and another patient had an argument after one of them tried to “jump the queue” at the busy ED.
Mr Imber, who suffers from seizures, had been discharged but was sleeping in the waiting room.
Detectives are investigating whether a man followed Mr Imber into the toilets and gave him “a solid belting”.
Police claim two security guards found a man standing over Mr Imber in the toilets in a pool of blood.
Cleaners removed the blood from the toilet and Mr Imber was transferred to a ward.
It is understood medical staff noted that his injuries were possibly caused by a seizure and a fall.
But on Sunday a police officer became aware an assault had allegedly occurred and an investigation was launched by senior detectives.
A Gold Coast Health spokesman in a statement late yesterday said: “Queensland Police Service were coincidentally on site at the Gold Coast University Hospital Emergency Department and were made aware of an incident within seconds of it taking place on the morning of Friday 4 August.
“The death of the man involved in this incident was immediately reported to the Coroner’s Office, which is standard process. The Coroner’s Office is responsible for subsequent reporting to police.
“Gold Coast Health is working closely with police as they continue the investigation. Any further inquiries should be directed to Queensland Police Service.”
Police declined to comment last night: “As this matter is before the court and subject to ongoing investigations no further information can be released at this time,” a spokeswoman said.
Sources close to the investigation said Conoley was attending the hospital as a patient for a non-life threatening medical condition and discharged later on Friday.
Lawyer for Conoley, Jon Ide, yesterday appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court over the murder charge.
Conoley was not required to be present in the dock for the brief mention.
His matter was adjourned until August 31 for mention.
Outside court, Mr Ide said Conoley intended to plead not guilty to the charge.
Mr Imber is believed to have previously worked at The Kenmore Tavern in Brisbane.
He lived on the Gold Coast after leaving north Queensland about 18 months ago.
His social media profile shows he was homeless and in trouble with the law for several years prior to his death.
In several social media posts Mr Imber speaks of seeking help from the Salvation Army.
A spokesman for The Salvation Army in Townsville confirmed the man was known to them.
In other Facebook posts, Mr Imber discusses rehab, alcoholism, court appearances and God.
Mr Imber had a criminal history littered with offences throughout Queensland including being charged with possession of a knife and public nuisance. He was on probation at the time he was killed, which was expected to expire in September.
In January, he was sentenced to nine months probation in the Southport Magistrates Court after being charged with going armed to cause fear on the Gold Coast.
GOLD COAST HEALTH IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH POLICE AS THEY CONTINUE THE INVESTIGATION. GOLD COAST HEALTH SPOKESMAN