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Last Update: Saturday, October 7, 2006. 7:21pm (AEST)

Police officer suspended over Palm Island death

The Queensland police officer found to be responsible for the death of a man on Palm Island two years ago will be suspended from duty.

Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley had been assigned to desk duties while the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) considered the matter.

Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson now says he has received a formal submission from Senior Sergeant Hurley's lawyers requesting that he be suspended from duty.

Mr Atkinson says he has considered the submission and has decided that he will suspend Senior Sergeant Hurley from all police duties on full pay.

The president of the Australian Council for Civil Liberties, Terry O'Gorman, says it is an appropriate course of action.

"It is appropriate that he continue to be paid while the decision is pending from the DPP," he said.

"Because it's got to be remembered, particularly in the controversy that's erupted since last week's Coroner's report, that Senior Sergeant Hurley should enjoy the presumption of innocence."

The lawyer for the Palm Island Council has welcomed a decision to suspend the police officer.

Lawyer Andrew Boe says the decision should have been made sooner.

"It may be 10 or so days too late and it's shame that the leadership and the decision is being led by Senior Sergeant Hurley's lawyers," he said.

"But it certainly is the right decision to accept that submission."