Magistrate’s criticism of cops to be reviewed by police

POLICE will “consider” a magistrate’s criticism of their handling of the aftermath of a fatal balcony fall when they tasered the victim’s best mate.

Magistrate Kay Philipson on Friday berated police for mishandling and “deteriorating” a volatile situation with Jeffrey Andrew Willis whose best mate Noah Fellows had fallen three storeys from a Broadbeach balcony.

Magistrate Philipson watched shocking body-worn camera footage showing Willis being tasered while paramedics were working to save Mr Fellows’ life on December 8 last year.

It took four days for the Queensland Police Service to respond to questions from the

Bulletin about the incident but a statement yesterday said: “The QPS acknowledges the magistrate’s comments and consideration will be given in due course.

“Queensland Police Officers undergo extensive training and are well prepared to respond to the range of situations presented to them when responding to conflict; effective communication; restraints and tactical withdrawal options.

“Decision making on the most appropriate, tactically sound and reasonable method, under difficult and high-risk situations, is part of the training provided to all officers.”

Last week, Magistrate Philipson told Southport District Court: “The whole situation deteriorated very quickly when the police arrived. I consider that the whole matter was handled very poorly by police.”

Mr Fellows never recovered from his injuries and died when his life support was turned off in May.

Willis pleaded guilty last week to hindering an ambulance officer and public nuisance.

Willis was, on Friday, convicted and not further punished for his actions.

No convictions were recorded on his criminal history.