Story perspectives

Coroner Calls for Closure of WA Detention Unit After Teen's Death

12/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The coroner, Phil Urquhart, has called for closure of Unit 18 in Western Australia, citing systemic failures.
Indigenous teenager Cleveland Dodd, 16, was found unresponsive in his cell on October 12, 2023, and died a week later, the first juvenile death in a WA detention center.
The coroner cited treatment deficiencies, including excessive solitary confinement and limited health services, noting Cleveland spent one to two hours outside his cell daily.

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Story summary

The coroner, Phil Urquhart, has called for closure of Unit 18 in Western Australia, citing systemic failures.
Indigenous teenager Cleveland Dodd, 16, was found unresponsive in his cell on October 12, 2023, and died a week later, the first juvenile death in a WA detention center.
The coroner cited treatment deficiencies, including excessive solitary confinement and limited health services, noting Cleveland spent one to two hours outside his cell daily.