Spare seats have been hard to come by in Glebe Coroner's Court over the past two weeks. Top barristers, dozens of police, reporters from around the world and distraught family members have packed the courtroom for the high-profile inquest into the death of the Brazilian student Roberto Laudisio Curti.
At the back of the room, another family has quietly watched on. Kate Bosevski lost her brother, Steven, in eerily similar circumstances.
The rugby league fan was violently restrained and handcuffed after attacking police during a brawl at St George Leagues Club following their grand final win in 2010. Police struck him five times with a baton, including once when he was motionless on the ground.
Both Mr Bosevski and Mr Curti had taken drugs the nights they died. Both struggled with the police. Both were left face down in handcuffs on the ground. And both stopped breathing minutes later.
Yet, after two years and two inquests, the Bosevski family is still waiting for answers. A coroner is yet to make any recommendations and The Sun-Herald understands no date has been fixed for the findings to be handed down.
Police officers involved told the 2011 inquest they had used capsicum spray and Tasers on Mr Bosevski's two brothers, who had been extremely aggressive. One officer said he didn't put Mr Bosevski into the recovery position because he feared he would assault them.
Desperate for more information, Ms Bosevski took time off work last week and quietly sat in Glebe Coroner's Court, often with tears in her eyes.
"It's so distressing seeing another family go through this again," she said. "What if 16 months ago something had been enforced or recommended? Roberto might still be here."
Ms Bosevski has read thousands of pages about tactical weapons, positional asphyxia and police training. Her family has spent close to $100,000 on the top barrister Winston Terracini, SC.
Mr Bosevski's twin brother, Steve, 36, has become a shell of himself. His father was in an intensive-care unit after seeing footage of his son's final moments and his mother has been unwell, too.
Neither his parents nor his two brothers could bring themselves to talk to The Sun-Herald.
But recommendations are not what the Bosevski family wants.
"We didn't spend my parents' retirement money to go to court for some recommendations, we want justice," Ms Bosevski said. "What affects my mother the most is that her son is six feet under while these people are still walking around looking at the sun. Whether they wear a badge or not, they took this person's life."
In an emotional address to Glebe Coroner's Court this week, Mr Curti's sister Ana Luisa Laudisio de Lucca said she feared the police would be "too arrogant and too proud" to change.
Her brother "Beto" was chased by 11 officers in the early hours of March 18 after he jumped the counter of a convenience store in an LSD-induced psychotic state and took two packets of biscuits.
He was hit by a Taser nine times and restrained using three cans of capsicum spray, handcuffs, a baton and "half a tonne" of officers.
"We know that nothing is going to bring Beto back but it would be good to think there was a purpose to what happened to him," she said.
Counsel for the NSW Police Force, Bruce Hodgkinson, SC, told the State Coroner, Mary Jerram, change was happening. Guidelines for Taser and capsicum spray use were under review after Mr Curti's death, he said.
After Ms Jerram hands down her findings on November 14, Ms Laudisio and Ms Bosevski will meet for a coffee and share in the pain of losing the brothers they loved.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What were the high-profile Taser inquests at Glebe Coroner's Court about?
The inquests examined the deaths of Roberto Laudisio Curti and Steven Bosevski after confrontations with police. Both men had taken drugs the night they died, were restrained by officers, were left face down in handcuffs, and stopped breathing minutes later. The hearings explored use of Tasers, capsicum spray, baton strikes and positional asphyxia.
When will the coroner hand down findings in the Roberto Curti case?
The article reports that State Coroner Mary Jerram was due to hand down her findings on November 14. For the Bosevski family, the coroner had not yet fixed a date for recommendations at the time of reporting.
Did police use Tasers and capsicum spray in these incidents?
Yes. Witnesses at the inquests said Curti was hit by a Taser nine times and was restrained with three cans of capsicum spray, handcuffs and a baton. In the Bosevski case, officers told the 2011 inquest they used capsicum spray and Tasers on two of his brothers and struck Steven with a baton multiple times.
Are police Taser and capsicum spray guidelines being reviewed after these deaths?
According to counsel for the NSW Police Force, guidelines for Taser and capsicum spray use were under review after Curti’s death, and change was occurring. The article does not report final policy changes — only that a review was underway.
What outcomes are the families seeking from the inquests?
Families have been seeking answers and justice rather than just procedural recommendations. The Bosevski family, for example, spent close to $100,000 on legal representation and want clear accountability for what happened to their loved one.
What kinds of evidence and issues have featured in the Taser inquests?
Evidence included courtroom testimony from officers, footage of the incidents, and medical and policing topics such as tactical weapons, positional asphyxia and police training. Families have also reviewed thousands of pages of material as part of the inquests.
Why have these coronial inquests attracted so much public and legal attention?
The cases raised serious questions about police restraint methods and the use of Tasers and capsicum spray, involved disturbing footage and emotional testimony, and had significant human cost. That combination drew top barristers, international reporters and large public interest to the courtroom.
What should everyday investors watch for after high‑profile policing incidents and coroner findings?
Everyday investors may want to monitor official coroner findings and any subsequent policy or guideline reviews, as these can influence public confidence and government responses. The article notes reviews of Taser and capsicum spray guidelines were under way after Curti’s death, which is the type of development worth watching for broader social and regulatory impact.
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